Early Childhood Cook

Go Kindy; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Friendly and supportive environment

Supportive management team

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Optional pathway into early childhood

Meaningful relationships with children

Creative influence in meals

Job summary

Go Kindy Newcastle City is seeking a dedicated Service Cook to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for children in a supportive team.

Two weekly options exist: 27.5 hours for a Cook role or 37.5 hours while pursuing the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Training and mentoring are provided to develop menus and kid-friendly cooking experiences.

Qualifications

• Current Working with Children Check is required.
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate is required.
• Safe Food Handling training is required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates or willingness to obtain.
• Current Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management certificates or willingness to obtain.
• Confidence preparing meals for children with allergies and special dietary needs.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Genuine passion for working with children.
• Desire to be part of a supportive early childhood team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals for Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
• Cater for children with allergies and dietary requirements.
• Develop seasonal menus aligned with NSW healthy eating guidance.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
• Manage food preparation and kitchen organisation.
• Support allergy and dietary management practices.
• Participate in weekly cooking experiences with children.

Skills

Food safety awareness

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Team player

Allergy awareness

Education

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

First Aid and CPR certificates

Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management certificates

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (optional pathway)

Job description

Are you passionate about preparing nutritious, delicious food and looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference in children’s lives?

Go Kindy Newcastle City is looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and dedicated Cook to join our supportive team.

This is a 5-day-per-week position, with two employment options available:

27.5 hours per week for applicants seeking a dedicated Cook position.

37.5 hours per week for applicants interested in completing their Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while working with us.

The Certificate III pathway is completely optional and is not a requirement of the Cook position.

Your Role

As our Service Cook, you will be responsible for preparing fresh, nutritious meals including:

• Morning Tea

• Lunch

• Afternoon Tea

All meals are prepared fresh daily, and you will need to feel confident catering for children with allergies, intolerances and special dietary requirements.

You will also:

• Develop seasonal menus that support relevant NSW healthy eating guidance and the Good for Kids program.

• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.

• Manage food preparation and kitchen organisation.

• Support safe allergy and dietary management practices.

• Prepare and participate in weekly cooking experiences with the children.

Training and mentoring will be provided where required, including support with menu development and children's cooking experiences.

What We're Looking For

Applicants will require, or be willing to obtain where indicated:

• Current Working with Children Check

• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

• Safe Food Handling training

• Current First Aid and CPR certificates, or willingness to obtain

• Current Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management certificates, or willingness to obtain

• Confidence preparing meals for children with allergies and special dietary requirements

• Strong communication and organisational skills

• A genuine passion for working around children

• A desire to be part of a supportive and passionate early childhood team

Previous experience in a childcare or commercial kitchen is preferred but not essential. We are open to the right person who has the enthusiasm, reliability and willingness to learn.

Why Join Go Kindy?

• Friendly and supportive working environment

• Supportive management team

• Ongoing training and professional development

• Optional pathway into early childhood education

• Opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and educators

• A role where your food, creativity and ideas can have a positive impact every day