Cook / Chef – Early Childhood Education

More than preparing meals – help shape children’s relationship with food

At Mother Duck Childcare & Kindergarten, we believe food is an important part of children’s everyday experience.

We are looking for a Cook / Chef to join our Enoggera community for 35 hours per week and take ownership of a kitchen where fresh, nutritious and delicious food is prepared for children each day.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who loves cooking but also wants their work to have purpose.

Our chefs are valued members of our Centre communities. They know the children they cook for, collaborate with educators and families, contribute ideas and help create positive experiences around food, culture, belonging and wellbeing.

About the role

As our Cook / Chef, you will be responsible for implementing the Mother Duck menu and providing children with a healthy, balanced and varied diet while creating a positive dining experience.

Your role will include:

• Preparing fresh, nutritious and appealing meals and snacks for children

• Safely managing allergies, dietary requirements and cultural food preferences

• Following Mother Duck menus, recipes and food safety systems

• Managing stock, ordering and kitchen budgets

• Maintaining a clean, organised, safe and compliant kitchen

• Minimising food waste and contributing to sustainable practices

• Working collaboratively with educators and the Centre Leadership Team

• Engaging with feedback and ideas from children and families

• Contributing to menu development and continuous improvement

• Helping children experience food as something to explore, enjoy and share.

Be part of our Mother Duck Chef Network

One of the things that makes this role different is that you won’t be working in isolation.

Our chefs come together through the Mother Duck Chef Network – a professional learning community where chefs share knowledge, develop menus, explore new ideas and reflect together on nutrition, children’s agency, cultural safety, sustainability, food safety and contemporary practice.

We see our chefs as professionals with valuable knowledge, creativity and relationships with children.

Our menus continue to evolve through the voices of children, families, chefs and educators, reflecting the cultures, identities and communities of our Centres.

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about preparing fresh, nutritious and tasty food

• Highly organised and able to confidently manage a busy kitchen

• Knowledgeable about food safety, allergies and dietary requirements

• Warm and approachable and enjoys being part of a community

• Interested in children’s perspectives and experiences with food

• Open to learning, sharing ideas and continually improving

• Committed to high standards of hygiene, safety and compliance

• Comfortable working collaboratively rather than simply working “behind the scenes”.

Experience cooking in an early childhood setting would be highly regarded.

You will also need to hold, or be willing and eligible to obtain, the relevant clearances and training required for the role, including a current Blue Card.

Why Mother Duck?

Mother Duck has been caring for and educating children in Brisbane for generations.

While providing beautiful, nutritious food is important to us, we believe the role of our chefs goes much further.

Food creates opportunities for connection. It can reflect children’s families and cultures, introduce new experiences, build independence and agency, and create moments of belonging around the table.

If you are looking for a cooking role where your ideas, professionalism and contribution will be valued, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your Cover Letter and Resume to ******@motherduck.com.au