Chef

As an Early Years Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and delivering nutritious and delicious meals for children in our care. Your expertise in early childhood nutrition and understanding of dietary guidelines will ensure that every meal supports the health and development of the children.

While some experience is preferred, we welcome all applicants for review. 
This position is Part Time, and we are looking for 3 days per week minimum or ideally 5 days per week.

Planning and preparing meals, cleaning, and cooking are significant parts of our chefs' roles, but they are more than just cooks in a kitchen. Our chefs are incredibly talented and creative individuals who collaborate with each other, their teams, and the local community to enrich children’s experiences, health, and lives.

Perks and Benefits:

• Birthday Leave: Enjoy a paid day off on your birthday – celebrate you!
• Childcare Gap Fee Discounts: Exclusive for permanent team members.
• Referral Bonus Scheme: Earn bonuses by helping us grow our amazing team.
• Salary Sacrificing Options with Maxxia.
• Uniform Allowance: Start with a complete set and receive annual top-ups.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through our trusted provider.
• Edge Excellence Awards: Recognise and celebrate exceptional peer achievements.
• Onsite Flu Vaccinations.
• Professional Development & Training: Ongoing opportunities for growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children aged 6 weeks to school age.
• Work with the Australian Government’s Feed Australia platform to design seasonal menus tailored to children's nutritional needs.
• Adhere to dietary requirements and preferences, including allergies and cultural considerations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen environment in compliance with regulatory and company guidelines.
• Collaborate with early childhood educators to ensure meal times are a positive and educational experience.
• Teach children to help themselves, experience different flavours, and understand the importance of nutrition.
• Introduce children to scientific concepts, promote life skills, encourage bonding, and enhance fine motor skills through food-related activities.
• Manage kitchen inventory, order supplies, and ensure cost-effective food production.
• Keep up-to-date with early childhood nutrition trends and regulations.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum of Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or an ACECQA approved Early Childhood qualification.
• Current Paid Blue Card (Working with Children Check).
• Current Food Safety Supervision Skill Set Certificate (HLTSS0061 is for childcare kitchens).
• Proven understanding of early childhood nutrition and dietary guidelines.
• Knowledge of health, hygiene, and safety standards in a kitchen environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Child Safety at Edge Early Learning

At Edge Early Learning, children’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating safe, nurturing environments where every child feels valued, heard, and protected. Our team upholds the highest standards of care and is dedicated to safeguarding children through vigilant practices, ongoing training, and strong, supportive relationships. All Edge employees undergo relevant safety checks and are expected to champion our culture of child safety every day.