Centre Cook/Float Educator

About the role

The Cook / Educator plays a unique and vital dual role at Little Leapers. You will be responsible for the safe, hygienic, and efficient operation of our kitchen, providing healthy meals that support children’s growth, development, and dietary needs. Additionally, you will step out of the kitchen and into the rooms as an Educator. In the classroom, you will help supervise children, support their learning, and maintain a safe, nurturing environment.

You are a child-safe staff member. You must uphold strict professional boundaries, reporting responsibilities, and safety expectations at all times.

The current locations we are screening and wanted candidates are for-

• BELLA VISTA
• SOUTH WENTWORTHVILLE
• RIVERSTONE

Key responsibilities

Kitchen & Nutrition Duties:

• Prepare all meals including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea for the children.
• Plan healthy menus for children aged 0–5 years using recognized nutrition guidelines.
• Modify food textures and portion sizes to match the developmental needs of different age groups.
• Manage dietary requirements safely, accommodating cultural, religious, and vegetarian preferences.
• Review allergy and medical logs for every child before preparing or serving any food.
• Stop cross-contact of allergens by using dedicated utensils, safe storage, and clear labels.
• Follow food laws including the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and NSW guidelines.
• Order kitchen supplies weekly while staying inside the approved center budget.

Classroom & Educator Duties:

• Support room educators in delivering high-quality learning programs and daily routines.
• Supervise children actively during indoor play, outdoor play, rest times, and meal times.
• Build positive relationships with children to help them feel safe, secure, and settled.
• Assist with personal care routines, including toileting, nappy changes, and dressing.
• Role-model healthy eating habits while sitting with children during meal times.
• Maintain classroom safety by helping to clean, sanitize toys, and clear away hazards.

About you

• Kitchen experience: Proven experience preparing food safely in a commercial, childcare, or school kitchen.
• Educator experience: Experience working directly with young children in an early childhood setting.
• Food qualifications: Completed food-handler training (Food Safety Supervisor certificate is highly looked upon).
• Childcare qualifications: Hold (or be actively studying toward) a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Safety checks: A current and verified NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC).
• Child protection: Completed mandatory child protection and child safety training.
• Allergy knowledge: Strong understanding of anaphylaxis, allergies, cross-contact, and safe food storage.
• Communication skills: Excellent reading skills for labels and recipes, with the ability to write clear records and talk effectively with parents and staff.
• Physical fitness: The physical strength to lift kitchen stock, bend, kneel, and actively move around with children all day.

About us

Little Leapers Childcare Centre is an education and care service committed to children's safety, health, development, and wellbeing. The service operates in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations, the National Quality Standard, and the Food Standards Code.