Childcare Centre Cook - Springvale South

Centre Cook

Join Our Team as the Centre Cook at the Brand-New Springvale South Centre!

Are you passionate about creating fresh wholesome meals and ready to step into the kitchen with enthusiasm and creativity? Our brand-new Springvale South Centre is opening soon, and we’re on the lookout for a dedicated Centre Cook to join our team!

We are looking for a skilled and passionate cook to create a fresh, delicious, wholesome menu that lines up with the changing seasons and introduces the children to various cultural flavors and stirs excitement and anticipation for what the next meal will bring.

Our beautiful centre is a unique, home-like service with purpose-built facilities and beautiful outdoor spaces. Village Early Education will provide you with opportunities to grow in your career and provide you with the tools and resources to be at the peak of your career performance.

Village Early Education is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We understand our responsibilities and statutory duty of care and are committed to raising awareness about the importance of child safety in our organisation and our communities, which is essential for promoting healthy and safe learning environments for children.

Key Responsibilities:

The Centre Cook will prepare nutritionally balanced meals for all of the centre’s children. The cook will be responsible for preparing morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea as well as late snacks for all of the centre’s children. All food provided to the children will take into account children that have allergies as well as special dietary requirements. The Cook will ensure that all meals served are in accordance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

Duties & Responsibilities

Menu Planning

Lead and contribute to quarterly menu updates with the support of our centre management team and input from children, educators and families
Plan for and cater for all children’s dietary requirements including; anaphylaxis to food, food allergies, cultural dietary requirements and personal beliefs dietary requirements
Effectively manage your time so that meals are prepared in a timely manner
Actively take part in risk minimisation assessments and actively plan for children with anaphylaxis & food allergies
Maintain up to date to records in respect to all food allergies, intolerances and religious requirements
Ensure food is presented to children in an appealing and timely manner
Ensure food provisions are purchased in accordance with the menu and budget requirements
Work with Educators & Families to incorporate a variety of cultural food choices into the menu

Children

Ensure all requirements of children with allergies, intolerance and other dietary needs are met within the menu planning and meal preparation
Ensure that children’s dietary requirements are displayed for easy reference and access (whilst maintaining confidentiality)

Hygiene & Safety

Maintain a tidy, clean, hygienic kitchen, free from debris and clutter
Following hygiene practices
Maintain and adhere to Workplace OH&S at all times
Ensure that the kitchen cleaning checklist is completed and signed on a daily basis
Ensure hygienic practices are adhered to within the kitchen and dining area

Essential qualifications/Requirements

Food Handling Certificate
Current employee working with children’s check
Food Safety Supervisor (preferred but not essential)
Knowledge of nutrition, children’s eating habits and dietary requirements.
Demonstrate proficiency in English both written and oral
A working knowledge of all licensing and legislation relating to the provision of food and health within Children’s Services.
Ability to work without supervision & demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and contribute positively.

To be considered you will:

Hold a Certificate III in cookery (as a minimum qualification) and a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
Be responsible for designing and auditing an appropriate rotating menu for children of all culture backgrounds which includes children with allergies, intolerance and any other dietary requirements
Be able to work within a budget, order goods an stock control
Be able to work autonomously, be reliable and well organised
Be able to work collaboratively with Educators and children within the service
Hold a valid Victorian Working with Children's Check

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential Qualifications: Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent), current First Aid, Anaphylaxis, and Emergency Asthma management training, valid Working with Children Check or VIT, and accredited Child Protection Training.
Experience: A minimum of 3 years in a Nominated Supervisor position or 5 years in a leadership role in early childhood services. Strong understanding of Child Care Subsidy (CCS), KIMs (Kindergarten Compliance), and compliance software is essential.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead teams, manage staff, and implement high-quality curriculum. Demonstrated experience managing budgets, occupancy, and ensuring compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in managing parent relationships, handling complaints, and leading staff.

What we offer:

A unique management structure – with a more hands-on, collaborative, and mentorship-driven management structure, we are setting Village Early Education apart from other early education organisations.
Professional development and career growth in a nurturing environment.
Childcare discounts for your own children.
Attractive remuneration package with scope for future growth.
Uniform provided
Villager of the Month – recognition and celebration of achievements and contributions

All applications must include a full resume and cover letter, addressing the above criteria and suitable applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview.

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Employer questions

How many years' experience do you have as an Educational Leader?

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Do you have professional child care experience?

Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the early years learning framework?

How many years' experience do you have as a centre director?

Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the National Quality Framework?

Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?

Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check?

Have you completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care?

Childcare Centre Cook – Springvale South