Child Care Centre Cook

About the role

Berwick Twinklestar Early Learning Centre is seeking a caring, organised and experienced Centre Cook to join our friendly team. Our cook plays an important role in supporting children's health, wellbeing and positive relationship with food. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys preparing fresh, nutritious meals and wants a rewarding cooking role with no evening or weekend work.

You will be responsible for:

• Preparing fresh, nutritious and age-appropriate meals and snacks for children aged from birth to five years

• Following the centre’s rotating menu and contributing ideas to menu planning

• Catering safely for allergies, anaphylaxis, intolerances, cultural requirements and individual dietary needs

• Maintaining accurate ingredient, allergy and food-safety records

• Receiving food deliveries and monitoring stock, storage and expiry dates

• Completing kitchen cleaning, sanitising and temperature checks

• Maintaining a clean, organised and compliant commercial kitchen

• Following the centre’s Food Safety Program and all relevant regulations

• Communicating effectively with families, educators, management and suppliers

• Participating in centre events and occasional cooking experiences with children

• Promoting healthy eating and positive mealtime experiences throughout the service

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience cooking in an early learning centre, school, aged-care service or similar setting

• Can confidently prepare meals for up to 62 children

• Has a strong understanding of food allergies, anaphylaxis and cross-contamination prevention

• Is organised and able to work independently within daily timeframes

• Maintains high standards of food preparation, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness

• Can plan quantities, minimise food waste and manage kitchen supplies

• Communicates warmly and professionally with children, families and educators

• Is reliable, flexible and enjoys being part of a collaborative team

Essential requirements

The successful applicant must hold or be willing to obtain:

• A current Victorian Working with Children Check

• A current Food Safety Supervisor certificate preferred

• Appropriate food-handling training

• Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma qualifications, or willingness to obtain them

• A National Police Check if required

• The right to work in Australia

Experience working in an early childhood setting and knowledge of the Victorian early childhood food-safety requirements will be highly regarded.

Our commitment to child safety

Berwick Twinklestar Early Learning Centre is committed to providing a child-safe and culturally safe environment. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, racism and discrimination. All employees are expected to uphold the Victorian Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to the safety and wellbeing of every child.