Your next opportunity

We believe that nutritious, delicious meals are a key part of a child's development and well-being. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive. We are currently seeking a passionate and skilled Cook to join our team in Ridge-ee-Didge located in Oxley Park in a temporary position up to October 2025 and contribute to our mission.

Working part-time from 8am to 1pm Monday to Friday – 25 hours/week, you will prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children aged 0–5 years. With good communication, you will work in partnership with your team and parents to ensure that the children’s nutritional needs are catered for.

Your day will involve

• Meal Preparation: Plan and prepare balanced, nutritious, and age-appropriate meals and snacks for children in accordance with dietary guidelines and any special dietary needs.
• Menu Planning: Develop and implement weekly or monthly menus that meet nutritional requirements and incorporate a variety of healthy ingredients.
• Food Safety: Ensure all food handling, preparation, and storage procedures meet health and safety regulations. Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Inventory Management: Monitor and manage food inventory, including ordering supplies, tracking stock levels, and minimizing waste.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other staff members to accommodate any special dietary requirements or food allergies and to ensure a seamless meal service.
• Communication: Communicate with parents and caregivers regarding meal plans and address any concerns or feedback regarding food preferences and dietary needs.
• Compliance: Adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations and child care licensing requirements related to food preparation and storage.
  
  

What are we looking for

• Completed qualification in Hospitality, Commercial Cookery, Nutrition and Dietetics, Home Economics or equivalent
• Food Safety for Supervisors Certificate
• Relevant experience and proven skills in food preparation and budgeting
• Previous experience as a cook or chef, preferably in a child care or educational setting.
• Demonstrated communication and teamwork skills
• A current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain
• Knowledge of food safety practices and regulations.
• An understanding of the nutritional needs of children

What’s on offer

• Career opportunities including study support and capability mapping of your skills to enable you to grow to your full potential
• 15 days personal leave per year
• Health and wellbeing leave
• 18 weeks paid maternity leave
• Access to fitness passport
• Complimentary access to Ripples Leisure Centres

Commencing hourly rate: $34.22 - $39.61 plus 11.5% superannuation.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on children's lives through nutritious and delicious meals, we would love to hear from you!

About Penrith City Council

Join Penrith City Council, where we prioritize both our community and our employees. We understand that work is just one aspect of your life, so we're committed to supporting you in all the moments that matter.

As the largest local government child care service provider in NSW, we annually cater to over 5,000 children across 53 child care services. Committed to enriching the lives of families and children, we offer various child care services, including Long Day Care, Vacation and Out of School Hours Care, Preschools, and a Mobile Playvan. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to the intellectual, social, and physical development of the children in our care.

This position has been identified as a Child-Related position under Child Protection laws in NSW. To be eligible to apply, you are required to provide Council with a valid Working with Children Check Number.

If you're ready to embark on a fulfilling journey in childcare, apply now to be part of our team!

Council is a Child Safe Organisation, for more information about this please see our website

You will be required to undertake employment checks, which may include a Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Working with Children Check, Medical Declaration and/or a Functional Test, as relevant to the position for which you have applied. Where a Criminal History Check is required and has returned a result that indicates disclosable court outcomes, you will be required to provide a copy of the report to Penrith City Council, for review, in order to progress through the recruitment process.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

For further information about the position, please contact Anna, Talent Acquisition Specialist on 0437 785 516

Council practices Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) principles.