Cook/Chef Childcare Centre

First Five Early Learning Victoria Point is seeking an experienced cook or chef to join our 100-place centre in a permanent full-time role. Nutrition, health and wellbeing are essential to young children’s learning and development. We place high value on the role of a Cook/Chef in preparing nutritious meals, sharing their knowledge and passion for food with children and families, and contributing to the educational program. Knowledge and application of child nutrition, relevant guidelines, food handling, hygiene, menu planning, and food allergies and intolerances are essential for this role. Effective communication skills, working collaboratively with the centre leadership team and educators, and demonstrating high level organisational skills are also essential. 

Job tasks and responsibilities

• Develop a rotating menu in accordance with the Centre's nutrition policy guidelines and the Healthy Eating Advisory Service for all children, including children with allergies and intolerances.
• Provide a variety of nutritious foods suitable for children aged three months to five years.
• Ensure the presentation of food is exciting, appealing to the senses, and encourages autonomy and agency for children when they engage in everyday mealtime routines.
• Complete weekly ordering as per the current menu.
• Log menu changes and share photographs and recipes with families via a digital platform.
• Ensure the highest-level health and safety standards are always maintained.
• Support the development and maintenance of the Food Safety Plan and program.
• Demonstrate excellent time management and confidence in managing a kitchen. 
• Ensure the kitchen and appliances are maintained and well looked after.
• Collaborate with children, educators and families in everyday meal planning, mealtime routines, and contributions to the educational program.
• Be willing to learn about and contribute to the educational program around food and nutrition for young children (e.g., garden-to-plate projects, cooking with children).
• Seek and evaluate regular feedback from children, educators and families on the menu offering. 

Previous experience as a Cook/Chef in a childcare setting is highly desirable but not essential. Demonstrated experience with dietary management and controls, particularly with allergens, intolerances and anaphylaxis, is required. 

The available position is permanent full-time, working 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday, paid under the Professional Childcare Standard Agreement 3.3. Hours can be discussed further with the successful candidate. 

Qualifications

• A current “Working with Children's Check”
• A certificate in Food Handling
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
• A current certificate in First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma (or be willing to obtain)
• Childcare qualification (not required for the role, however, would be of benefit)

To apply, submit your cover letter and resume via SEEK. To learn more about First Five Early Learning, visit www.firstfive.com.au