Little Champs Child Care and Kindergarten in Hoppers Crossing is looking for a motivated and experienced Early Childhood chef to join our team.

A professional who is passionate about providing nutritional food to children (0-6 years) whilst ensuring a high standard of professionalism, hygiene and organisation is maintained within the centres' purpose-built kitchen.

The successful candidate will be required to work Monday to Friday, times can be discussed at the interview.

You will be required to effectively manage the kitchen, order stock, plan all menu's and prepare the children with nutritious meals each day.

Essential Criteria:

• Safe Food Handling Certificate
• Working with Children Check
• Level 2 First Aid Training
• Anaphylaxis Training

Preferable to have experience as working as a chef in childcare in the past.

Objectives

• To provide a healthy, balanced, varied diet for the children attending the Service
• Promote a positive and responsive environment for the children, their families and staff
• Meet all requirements and standards indicated in the National Quality Framework

Responsibilities

General:

• Comply with all relevant legislation, early childhood regulations and all policies, procedures and work guidelines issued by child care and kinder.
• Maintain the health and safety of themselves and others at all times
• Support the induction process when required
• Source and convey accurate information in a timely manner

Menu Planning and Food Preparation:

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals that are culturally appropriate for children 0-6 years
• Prepare meals and snacks in a timely manner that fits the Service's routines
• To work with the Nominated Supervisor and staff to plan and prepare meals for the children including lunch, morning tea, taking into consideration;
• Nutritional requirements of the age group
• Cultural and religious differences
• Additional needs of the individual child
• Special needs of the 0 - 2 year olds
• The labour, facilities and financial resources available
• Provide for/or supplement alternative foods/beverages for children with allergies or special food/dietary requirements
• Have knowledge and understanding of the nutritional standards set by the Australian Food and Beverage classification system
• Ensure that all food is stored in compliance with Health Regulations
• To evaluate the menu on a regular basis
• Display menu in a well-presented manner making sure that the current menu is always available
• Seek feedback from families and staff regarding the meals provided and adjust future menus incorporating ideas given
• Operates mixers, ovens, choppers, shredders, steamers, grills, grinders, steam kettles, fry kettles, and other food equipment
• Adjusts recipes to volume of demand

Purchasing Stock

• Co-ordinate with the Nominated Supervisor the purchasing of food and supplies
• To be aware of and assist in the management of the food budget including the choices of food and use of purchases
• To keep records of packing slips and order forms
• Source stock that is of quality and nutritional value for our children

Maintenance

• To follow the daily routine of the kitchen as displayed
• To ensure fridges and stove are regularly cleaned
• To ensure adequate cleaning supplies are kept in the kitchen i.e. Dishwashing liquid and washing detergent containers kept full and locked in cupboard
• To ensure all serving trays are cleaned on a regular basis
• To ensure the range hood fan is kept clean and free from dust and dirt

House Keeping

• To maintain sanitary and inviting kitchen workspaces and eating areas
• Ensure food handling standards and quality guidelines are adhered to at all times
• To promote high quality health and safety for adults and children
• To perform laundry duties in relation to kitchen articles and assist in other laundry duties of the Service
• Complete and file all checklists to ensure that proof of compliance is being maintained
• Ensure that all appliances are cleaned on a regular basis
• Ensure all serving trolleys and trays are cleaned on a regular basis
• Ensure that all chemicals in the kitchen are stored in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety
• Check menu for the next day and ensure meat is transferred to the fridge for thawing if required and supplies necessary to fulfil the menu is on hand

Programming Involvement

• To provide assistance to the teaching team regarding food and cooking experiences for children
• To be involved in special events which require preparation and/or organisation
• To involve children in kitchen activities as appropriate

Communication

• To demonstrate skills for effective communication with children/colleagues and families
• To demonstrate confidentiality, respect and trust
• To always follow the positive guidance strategies of the Service when communicating with the children
• To attend monthly staff meetings

Professional Development

• To participate in professional development as required
• Sound knowledge of food preparation, nutritional standards, menu preparation, food hygiene practices & kitchen management
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Organisational and administration skills
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities effectively
• Planning and execution skills
• Problem solving abilities
• Sound knowledge of OH&S, Childcare Services Policies, Procedures and Regulations
• Readiness to go above and beyond when necessary to reach goals
• To complete a in-service yearly on child protection.

Job Type: Part-time