Childcare Cook / Chef

Gardenia Early Learning; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

90% staff discount on children’s fees

Wellbeing and health support (24/7)

Quarterly team-building events

Centre events support

Job summary

Gardenia Ellen Grove is seeking a warm, organised Cook or Chef to join our childcare kitchen team in Brisbane. You will prepare fresh, nutritious meals for children, plan menus, and maintain high food-safety standards during busy service times.

Join a supportive team with regular hours Monday to Friday during centre operating times and opportunities to contribute to our healthy eating program and children's wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for children or in a childcare setting.
• Strong understanding of food safety and allergy management.
• Ability to plan varied, nutritious menus and prepare fresh meals.
• Excellent organisation and teamwork in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Meal preparation: cook fresh, nutritious meals and snacks meeting dietary needs.
• Menu planning: develop varied, seasonal menus that promote healthy eating.
• Food safety and hygiene: maintain high standards of handling, cleanliness and storage.
• Dietary requirements: cater for allergies, intolerances and cultural needs.
• Kitchen management: manage stock, ordering and kitchen organisation.
• Record keeping: maintain accurate food safety and compliance records.
• Collaboration: work with educators and leadership to support calm meals.
• Centre events: assist with food preparation for celebrations and occasions.

Skills

Cooking for children

Food safety

Menu planning

Time management

Team collaboration

Job description

Join Our Team at Gardenia Ellen Grove – We’re Hiring a Cook / Chef!

Gardenia Early Learning Ellen Grove is looking for a warm, passionate and organised Cook or Chef to join our team.

At Gardenia, we create nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported and inspired to grow. We believe food is more than nutrition—it brings people together and supports children’s learning, independence and wellbeing.

Our kitchen is at the heart of the centre, providing fresh, wholesome meals and opportunities for children to explore new flavours and develop positive relationships with food.

Key Responsibilities

• Meal preparation: Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks that meet children’s dietary needs.

• Menu planning: Develop varied, seasonal menus that encourage healthy eating.

• Food safety and hygiene: Maintain high standards of food handling, kitchen cleanliness and storage.

• Dietary requirements: Safely cater for allergies, intolerances and cultural requirements.

• Kitchen management: Manage stock, ordering and kitchen organisation.

• Record keeping: Maintain accurate food safety and compliance records.

• Collaboration: Work with educators and leadership to support calm, enjoyable and unhurried mealtimes.

• Centre events: Support food preparation for celebrations and special occasions.

What You’ll Bring

• A current Working with Children Blue Card is essential—all applicants must hold one.

• Experience cooking for children or in a similar environment.

• A strong understanding of food safety, allergy management and dietary requirements.

• Creativity and enthusiasm for preparing fresh, wholesome meals.

• Excellent organisation and time management.

• A warm, collaborative approach and a commitment to children’s health and wellbeing.

What We Offer

• Monday to Friday during centre operating hours, with occasional additional hours required for centre events.

• A supportive, welcoming team where your ideas are valued.

• The opportunity to help shape our healthy eating program.

• A centre that values community, connection and children’s wellbeing.

• 90% staff discount on your children’s fees.

• Access to 24/7 wellbeing and health support.

• Quarterly team-building events to connect and celebrate together.

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