Childcare Cook

Best Start ELC; Central Coast Council; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Best Start ELC John’s Rd in Wadalba is seeking a dedicated Childcare Cook to prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals for children, respecting dietary needs and allergies in a safe, caring environment.

You will work either part-time or full-time at our John’s Rd service, collaborating with educators to support learning and wellbeing through healthy food, sustainable practices and local produce where possible.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification or relevant food preparation training.
• Current Food Handler Certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards in childcare settings.
• Understanding of child nutrition and dietary requirements for young children.
• Experience in hospitality, institutional or commercial kitchens.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children.
• Accommodate diverse dietary requirements including allergies and cultural preferences.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene per regulations.
• Store, label and rotate food supplies to prevent spoilage and ensure safety.
• Manage kitchen equipment safely and perform routine maintenance and cleaning.
• Collaborate with educators and parents to support learning and mealtimes.
• Maintain accurate records of meals, ingredients and dietary information.
• Support sustainability by minimising food waste and using local produce where possible.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children's dietary and health information.

Skills

Food safety

Time management

Communication

Nutrition knowledge

Education

Formal culinary qualification / training

Job description

Join the Team at Best Start ELC John's Rd!

At Best Start ELC John's Rd, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life and that starts with a passionate and dedicated team who love what they do.

We are proud to be NQS rated Exceeding in all 7 Quality Areas, reflecting our commitment to providing exceptional education and care for children and families.

Our privately owned and operated, newly built 119-place centre in Wadalba offers a beautiful, nurturing and supportive environment where children can explore, learn and grow with confidence.

Best Start ELC is seeking a talented Childcare Cook to join our team on a part-time basis or a full- time basis at our Service on John's Rd. This is an exciting opportunity to work in the childcare and early learning sector, where you will play a vital role in nurturing children's health and wellbeing through nutritious meal preparation and food services. As a Childcare Cook, you will be responsible for creating balanced, age-appropriate meals that support children's development and cater to their diverse dietary requirements and preferences. This role is integral to our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment where children can thrive.

Come and be part of something special at Best Start ELC Wadalba.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks that are age-appropriate and aligned with early childhood nutrition guidelines
• Accommodate diverse dietary requirements, including allergies, intolerances, and cultural or religious preferences
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene in accordance with food handling regulations and childcare service standards
• Store, label and rotate food supplies correctly to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety
• Manage kitchen equipment safely and perform routine maintenance and cleaning
• Liaise with educators and parents to ensure meal times support children's learning and social development
• Maintain accurate records of meals prepared, ingredients used and any dietary information
• Support the childcare service's commitment to sustainability by minimising food waste and utilising local produce where possible
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children's dietary and health information

What we're looking for

• Formal culinary qualification or relevant food preparation training
• Current Food Handler Certification or willingness to obtain certification
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards, particularly those relevant to childcare settings
• Understanding of child nutrition, developmental stages and dietary requirements for young children
• Experience working in hospitality, institutional or commercial kitchens
• Strong organisational and time management skills to manage meal preparation for multiple age groups
• Ability to work collaboratively with educators and childcare staff
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity when addressing dietary requirements and preferences
• Commitment to child safety, wellbeing and confidentiality