Centre Cook

About the role

Our kitchen is the heart of the centre. You'll plan ahead, cook from scratch and take pride in food that children actually enjoy eating. Each day you'll prepare morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, a late snack for our afternoon children, and our daily damper, a centre tradition the children look forward to. You'll work from a 4-week rotating menu, adapting it to cater for allergies, intolerances and cultural and dietary needs, and you'll keep the kitchen running smoothly with ordering, stock control, food safety records and a spotless work space.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and serve morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack for up to 142 children daily
• Bake fresh damper every day
• Follow and help refine our 4-week rotating menu in line with early childhood nutrition guidelines and Feed Australia
• Cater safely for children with allergies, intolerances and special dietary requirements
• Manage ordering, deliveries, stock rotation and kitchen budget
• Maintain food safety and hygiene records to meet Food Safety Program and Safe Food Queensland requirements
• Keep the kitchen, storage and equipment clean and compliant
• Work alongside educators to support children's connection to food, including occasional cooking experiences with the children

About you

• Experience cooking in high-volume settings – childcare, school, aged care, café or catering
• Food Safety Supervisor certificate (or willingness to obtain before starting)
• Current Blue Card (Working with Children Check) or eligibility to obtain one
• Confident managing allergens and dietary requirements including anaphylaxis
• Organised, efficient and calm under pressure – you can get four meals out on time every day
• Warm and friendly – you'll be part of a close team and a familiar face to our children and families

About us

Nestled in the heart of Willow Vale lies The Montessori Farm set on 6 acres of land- a unique and beautiful learning environment where we have large natural playgrounds tucked away in the bushland under big, beautiful gum trees!

We have large, fenced paddocks with picnic tables, vegetable gardens and areas to explore with the children. We have farm animals to interact with and feed daily as well as a purpose-built centre with natural resources that follows the Montessori Philosophy alongside the EYLF.