Childcare Cook

Northside FRC; Limerick; On-site; EUR 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer pension contribution

25 days annual leave (pro rata)

2 paid privilege days

Job summary

Northside Family Resource Centre is seeking a caring Childcare Cook to join our Early Years team, responsible for nutritious meals for children and maintaining food safety standards. You will work with the Chef Manager and Early Years staff to create balanced menus for ages 0–6, accommodate dietary and allergy needs, and support a positive mealtime culture.

This full-time role offers daytime hours, pro rata salary of €29,200–€33,700, and a benefits package including pension, leave, sick days and

Qualifications

• Experience cooking in a professional kitchen
• Knowledge of food safety and HACCP requirements
• Understanding of healthy nutrition for young children
• Experience managing dietary, allergy and medical food requirements safely
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a daily routine
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable, flexible and positive approach to work

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks for young children
• Develop balanced and varied menus for ages 0–6 years
• Ensure meals meet dietary, allergy, cultural and medical requirements
• Promote positive mealtime experiences for children
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and safety
• Ensure HACCP compliance and food safety regulations
• Monitor stock levels and manage purchasing records
• Collaborate with the Chef Manager and Early Years team
• Maintain allergen information and documentation

Skills

Kitchen experience

HACCP knowledge

Children nutrition

Dietary management

Organisational skills

Independent worker

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

Job Description - Childcare Cook

Northside Family Resource Centre is seeking a caring, organised and enthusiastic Childcare Cook to join our Early Years team. This is an opportunity to play an important role in supporting children's health, wellbeing and development through the preparation of nutritious, home-style meals and snacks in a warm, community-based childcare setting.

We are looking for someone who enjoys cooking, takes pride in maintaining high standards, and understands the important role that food plays in creating positive experiences for young children. As part of a supportive and community-focused organisation, you will enjoy family-friendly daytime working hours, a competitive benefits package and opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development.

About the Role

The Childcare Cook is responsible for planning, preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children attending our services, while ensuring the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen organisation. This role offers the opportunity to work predictable daytime hours in a child-centred environment where the focus is on supporting children's wellbeing through healthy, balanced meals.

Working collaboratively with the Chef Manager, through the Head of Early Years, and alongside the Early Years team, the successful candidate will help create positive mealtime experiences and ensure that children's dietary, cultural and allergy-related needs are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Nutrition

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks for young children in accordance with healthy eating guidelines
• Support the development of balanced and varied menus suitable for children aged 0-6 years
• Ensure meals meet individual dietary, allergy, cultural and medical requirements
• Promote positive mealtime experiences for children

Kitchen Management & Food Safety

• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and food safety
• Ensure compliance with HACCP requirements and food safety regulations
• Monitor food storage, stock rotation and temperature records
• Maintain accurate kitchen records and documentation
• Ensure equipment is safe, clean and maintained appropriately
• Maintain and display allergen information and ensure compliance with all food safety and allergy management procedures.

Stock Control & Administration

• Monitor stock levels and submit orders in a timely manner
• Manage food supplies effectively and minimise waste
• Support efficient budget-conscious use of resources
• Maintain accurate purchasing and kitchen records

Team Working

• Work collaboratively with the Chef Manager, Early Years Manager and childcare team
• Communicate effectively regarding children's dietary requirements
• Participate in staff meetings and training as required
• Contribute to a positive and supportive team culture

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience preparing and cooking meals in a professional kitchen environment
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP requirements
• Understanding of healthy nutrition for young children
• Experience managing dietary, allergy and medical food requirements safely within a structured setting.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a daily routine
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A reliable, flexible and positive approach to work

Desirable

• Experience working within a childcare, preschool, school, community or healthcare setting
• Food Safety/HACCP qualification
• Experience planning menus for children
• Knowledge of children's nutritional requirements
• Experience working within a community-based organisation

Northside Family Resource Centre is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

Terms of Employment

Accountability

The Childcare Cook is employed by the Board of Management of Northside Family Resource Centre. The Childcare Cook reports to the Chef Manager through the Head of Early Years. Overall responsibility rests with the Board of Management through the CEO.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time position based on a 35-hour working week, normally worked Monday to Friday in accordance with the operational needs of the service. Flexibility may be required from time to time to meet service needs. Where additional hours are worked and approved in advance, time off in lieu (TOIL) may be granted in accordance with organisational policy. This position is permanent and subject to continued funding. A six-month probationary period will apply.

Salary

The salary for this post will be offered on the Grade 2 salary scale, ranging from €29,200 to €33,700 per annum, based on a 37.5-hour working week. As this is a 35-hour per week position, the salary will be applied on a pro rata basis. Placement on the scale will be determined based on the successful candidate's qualifications, skills and relevant experience.

Benefits & Wellbeing

In addition to salary, Northside Family Resource Centre offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave per annum (pro rata) plus public holidays
• 2 paid company privilege days annually
• Additional annual leave entitlements awarded in recognition of long service.
• Up to 14 days paid sick leave
• Access to the Wisdom Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential support services for employees and their immediate family members.
• Access to CPD, coaching and accredited training opportunities

Confidentiality

The Childcare Cook will be expected to observe confidentiality at all times in relation to children, families, colleagues and the business of Northside Family Resource Centre.

Garda Vetting

In accordance with The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016, E-vetting will be a requirement for the successful candidate.