Full-Time Centre Cook – Early Learning Centre
Join our passionate team and help nourish growing minds!
Dandelion Childcare & Early Learning Centre is seeking an experienced, passionate and organised Full-Time Centre Cook to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who understands the important role nutrition plays in children's growth, development and wellbeing, and who enjoys creating healthy meals that children love.
About the Role
As our Centre Cook, you will be responsible for:
- Planning and preparing nutritious, seasonal meals and snacks in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Get Up & Grow recommendations.
- Preparing meals that cater for a wide range of dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, cultural needs and medical conditions.
- Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
- Managing food ordering, stock rotation and kitchen budgets.
- Ensuring compliance with Food Safety Standards, food safety legislation and Centre policies.
- Working collaboratively with educators and families to support children's health, wellbeing and inclusion.
- Creating positive mealtime experiences that encourage healthy eating habits.
- Contributing to a positive, respectful and child-safe culture where every child feels safe, valued and protected.
Essential Requirements
We are looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience as a cook in childcare, education, healthcare or commercial kitchens.
- Has a strong understanding of children's nutrition and developmental dietary needs.
- Has excellent knowledge of food allergies, anaphylaxis management and cross-contamination prevention.
- Demonstrates an understanding of Child Safe Standards, mandatory reporting obligations and the importance of safeguarding children in an early childhood setting.
- Is committed to promoting a strong child-safe culture through respectful interactions, professional conduct and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
- Holds (or is willing to obtain) a current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate.
- Holds a current Working with Children Check (or is willing to obtain one).
- Demonstrates excellent organisation, communication and time management skills.
- Is reliable, proactive and enjoys working as part of a supportive team.
Desirable
- Experience preparing meals for children aged 0–5 years.
- Knowledge of menu planning in accordance with childcare regulations.
- Understanding of food budgeting and ordering systems.
- Familiarity with the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Quality Standard (NQS) and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
We Offer
- Full-time permanent position.
- Supportive and welcoming team environment.
- Modern, well-equipped kitchen.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- A workplace that genuinely values children's health, wellbeing and quality nutrition.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children's lives every day.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Dandelion Childcare & Early Learning Centre is committed to providing a child-safe and child-friendly environment where the safety, wellbeing and rights of every child are paramount. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, Victorian Child Safe Standards and all legislative child safety requirements. All applicants will be subject to appropriate screening, reference checks and Working with Children Check requirements.
If you are passionate about preparing healthy, delicious meals and understand the importance of safe nutrition for young children, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today by submitting your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you would be a great fit for Dandelion Early Learning Centre-Bulleen.
Pay: $79,000.53 – $80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
