Childcare Cook | Manooka Valley Community Preschool 0-5

Working at Big Fat Smile, there’s a lot to smile about. The trust you’ll be given in exchange for your expertise. The freedom you’ll be given as an Educator to use your judgement, adapt learning approaches, and bring creativity and playfulness to a child’s day. The joy you’ll get from doing work you love with team members who are as invested as you. And the beautiful relationships you’ll form with peers, children, and families – through shared experiences that are as rich as they are rewarding.

More than a job, this is an opportunity to make a child’s world a better, brighter place. Get greater enjoyment from your work and make more of a difference in the lives of every child in our child-first organisation.

Big smiles and bigger opportunities

We’re Big Fat Smile. A not-for-profit that plays a pivotal role in the lives of thousands of children and families across Australia. We’re early education enthusiasts, with 40+ community preschools, long day care centres and fun clubs, and a variety of community and inclusion programs. Each one dedicated to giving every child the best start in life. And each well-respected for the work it does.

Due to our size, there are big opportunities for those who want to go further. You’ll find meaningful career paths with lots of promotions across our centres. And because professional learning and growth is at the heart of everything we do, you’ll have the support and knowledge to succeed.

Right now, we’re looking for a Childcare Cook to join our team at Manooka Valley Community Preschool – an ‘Exceeding NQS’ rated service in Currans Hill. Our service is a beautiful purpose built long day care with new facilities, spacious rooms and a fun filled outdoor environment.

The Childcare Cook role is a permanent, part time position, working 5 hours per day Monday to Friday. This role is ideal for someone looking to work school hours.

In this role you will play a critical role in providing nutritious, healthy and most importantly, yummy meals to children aged 0-5. You’ll bring fun, laughter and playfulness to every day, but most importantly you’ll create culinary delights that will please this very hungry crowd.

A supportive and safe workplace

When the going gets tough (as it sometimes does in this sector), you will find teammates and leaders have your back. There’s a real in-it-together feeling here thanks to a safe and supportive environment, and well-established policies and processes that outline exactly what’s expected and needed in any situation. Everyone’s in it together, making it easier for you to thrive.

We treasure the expertise of our educators

As a Childcare Cook you will play a critical role in providing nutritious and healthy meals to young people. You’ll bring fun, laughter and yummy to each day, but most importantly, you’ll create magical moments for children to experiment and grow.

What you need to succeed

• A current Working with Children Check (this is needed for anyone who works or volunteers in child-related work in NSW)
• Qualifications in Menu Planning and Nutrition and Safe Food Handling or equivalent are desirable (or willingness to obtain)
• Commitment to making sure the children in our care are safe and healthy
• Dedication to improving the lives and minds of children, families, and the community
• A fun-loving attitude and big smile!

There are lots of reasons why a role with us is rewarding

• You will feel supported by a Total Well-being Platform that gives you access to self-assessments, articles, toolkits, podcasts, perks and savings, and other resources.
• You will have the financial peace of mind with 60% discount on early learning and care and out of school hours care services.

• You can save money with discounts Good Guys, Illawarra Dragons, Illawarra Credit Union and more.
• You can focus on what matters most because you have support from head office specialists and expertise, such as inclusion professionals and pedagogy and practice.

How to apply

Please send us:

• A copy of your resume
• A brief cover letter that outlines why you are a good fit for the role

Join us and you’ll be smiling too, when you make more of a difference.

Safeguarding children is embedded in all we do. Through our Child Safe Framework and Values, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children entrusted to our care.