Childcare Centre Cook

 About Valencia Drive Early Learning Centre

Valencia Drive Early Learning Centre is a purpose-built early learning environment right in the heart of Orange, NSW. Designed with children at the centre, our modern facility provides thoughtfully crafted indoor and outdoor spaces that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster a genuine love of learning.

What truly sets Valencia Drive apart is our people. We are proud to have built a team of experienced, dedicated educators who are deeply committed to the children and families in our care. Ours is a collaborative, professional culture where every team member is valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.

The Role

As our Centre Cook, you will plan and prepare all meals and snacks for the children in our care — from morning tea through to late afternoon snack. You will work Monday to Friday, and run our kitchen with care, organisation, and a real understanding of how important food is in a child’s day.

Our menus are designed to be nutritious, varied, and child-friendly — and crucially, to keep every child safe. With children’s allergies and intolerances now more common than ever, we need a cook who takes food safety seriously, double-checks every ingredient, and treats every allergy management plan as non-negotiable.

Key Responsibilities

•      Plan, prepare, and serve a four-week rotating seasonal menu for children aged 0–5, including morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and late snack

•      Cater confidently for allergies, intolerances, and individual dietary requirements

•      Order, receive, and rotate stock; manage the kitchen budget and minimise waste

•      Maintain a clean, organised kitchen that meets all Food Safety Standards and NSW Food Authority requirements

•      Complete and keep up-to-date food safety records, temperature logs, and cleaning checklists

•      Liaise warmly and professionally with educators, leadership, and families about menus and dietary needs

•      Support and uphold the centre’s policies on nutrition, hygiene, and child safety at all times

What We Are Looking For

Essential:

•      Current NSW Food Safety Supervisor certificate

•      Proven experience cooking in a childcare, school, aged care, or commercial kitchen environment

•      Confident managing children’s allergies and intolerances — including nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and similar requirements

•      Current NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) — or willingness to obtain one prior to starting

•      First Aid certificate including CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis management (or willingness to complete)

•      Right to work in Australia

What We Offer You:

·       90% Childcare Discounts for All Kidz Childcare Staff

·       A genuinely supportive team where your voice matters

·       Management committed to your professional growth and wellbeing

·       Flexible Working Hours

·       Coaching Consultancy for Leadership Development and Support every Month

·       Online Resource Hub for all staff to access resources 

·       Uniform & Laundry Allowance

·       Positive & Well-resourced environment

·       Community Focused

·       Team building social activities

TO APPLY please submit your resume to this job advertisement.