Cook - Goodstart Early Learning

Goodstart Early Learning; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 43,000 - 49,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

5% above award wages

50% childcare gap fee discount

Fitness Passport

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Free annual flu shot

Extra leave for work-life balance

First Nations Support

Insurance discounts

Uniform allowance

Employee referral program

Job summary

Goodstart Drayton in Toowoomba is seeking a part‑time Centre Cook for 25 hours per week. You will prepare delicious, nutritious meals for children, plan menus in collaboration with the Centre Director, and ensure high food-safety standards in a nurturing childcare setting.

The role offers competitive pay, 5% above award, and benefits including childcare fee discounts and a range of staff perks. Join a community-focused team dedicated to learning and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or experience cooking within a childcare setting.
• Current QLD Working with Children Check.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of children by preparing meals to account for special dietary requirements and allergies.
• Plan the menu and order food supplies in consultation with the Centre Director.
• Maintain high standards of food safety by ensuring all storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks is hygienic.
• Work a part time roster of 25 hours per week.

Skills

Attention to detail

Creativity

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

QLD Working with Children Check

Job description

Company description

Goodstart is Australia’s largest early learning provider. As a not–for–profit social enterprise, we exist purely to improve the lives of Australia’s children and their families. Our people are our foundation, together we are working to ensure children have the learning, development and wellbeing outcomes they need for school and life.

Job description

Role: Centre Cook

Location

37 Rudd Street, Toowoomba, 4350, QLD - home of the Giabal Jarowair People

Centre: Goodstart Drayton

Employment Type

Permanent, Part time, 25hours/week

Pay

$31.36 - $35.44 (based on experience and qualification) + Superannuation + Benefits

Core responsibilities

Delight little customers with big appetites – provide delicious meals and influence the nutritional outcomes of Australian children

Competitive pay – at least 5% above award

Get 50% discount off your childcare gap fees

As a Cook at Goodstart, you'll create delicious, healthy meals that fuel young minds and bodies, becoming a cherished part of our community. Your passion for food and commitment to quality will play a crucial role in shaping the daily experiences of the children in our care.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure the safety of children by preparing meals to account for special dietary requirements and allergies
• Use your creativity and organisational skills to plan the menu and order food supplies in consultation with the Centre Director
• Maintain high standards of food safety by ensuring all storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks is hygienic
• Work a part time roster of 25 hours per week

About Goodstart Drayton

• A hidden gem with 58 places, creating a warm and intimate environment.
• Located in a semi-rural community on the outskirts of Southern Toowoomba, offering a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
• Proud of its family-focused, home-like approach to childcare.
• Strong emphasis on relationship-based practices, building meaningful connections with families.
• Supported by a leadership team that values work-life balance and promotes flexibility.
• Fosters an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued.
• Encourages learning and growth through mentoring and collaboration within the team

What Goodstart can offer you

• We pay highly competitive wages, at least 5% above the national award rates
• 50% discount off your childcare gap fees and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price
• Paid professional development
• Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year
• Free annual flu shot (optional)
• Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance
• First Nations Support and Cultural Leave
• Retail discounts on insurance, travel and technology
• Uniform allowance and employee referral program

You’ll need

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or experience cooking within a childcare setting
• Current QLD Working with Children Check

Contact & Additional Information

Have a question? Contact Anjana from our Talent Acquisition Team on 1800 222 543 or via email [e-mail]

At Goodstart we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. For further information and support email [e-mail]

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check.

YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/wm50t5tmoZg

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