At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals for children while maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Sparrow Early Learning is a warm, family-oriented childcare centre in Warragul.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive wages, childcare discounts, and comprehensive leave entitlements.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team that values collaboration and offers career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Food Handling Certificate, previous cooking experience, and a Working with Children Check required.
- Other info: Become part of a nurturing culture where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Sparrow Early Learning Warragul is a large but warm and homely centre located in Warragul. We pride ourselves on the amazing relationships we build with families and our long-standing team.
As a Cook, you will be required to plan and prepare, in consultation with the Service Manager, a menu for all children which is nutritional, well-balanced, and suited to the dietary needs of the children. Our menus incorporate a variety of cultural backgrounds and are reflective of nutritional and allergy guidelines, allowing young bodies to thrive both mentally and physically.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers, and a variety of other kitchen equipment.
- Maintains a clean and sanitary work station area.
- Handles, stores, labels, and rotates all products properly and in accordance with applicable state laws.
- Knows and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, recipes, policies, and procedures.
- Ensures all ingredients and produce used and served to customers are of good quality.
- Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products at line stations to assure a smooth service period.
- Closes the kitchen properly and follows the closing checklist for kitchen station.
- Manages finances within a budget.
- Performs office procedures.
- Food Handling Certificate and Food Supervisor Certificate
- Previous experience as a Childcare Cook
- Certificate III in Cookery
- Current & Valid Working with Children Check
- First Aid and CPR certificates including Asthma and Anaphylaxis training
- Experience in menu planning, budgeting, stock ordering & control
- Experience in dietary and allergy safe requirements
- Certificate III or Diploma in Children's Services would also be highly regarded
- Competitive Above Award Wages and rewarding Bonus Programs.
- Additional Allowances for those with increased responsibilities.
- Priority Access to Childcare and up to 95% Childcare Discount for Team Members.
- Comprehensive Leave Entitlements – including Birthday Leave.
- “Learn while you Earn” – paid CIII & Diploma Traineeship Program.
- Generous Employee Referral Programs.
- Tenure Achievement rewards.
- Your Safe Sleep & Child Protection training is on us.
- Career progression opportunities & mentorship.
- Access to Sparrow's Online Learning Studio for Inductions & Professional Development.
- Professional Uniforms Provided.
- Outstanding Effort Recognition – Monthly State and Service Awards.
- Transfer opportunities within the Sparrow Nest. T&C apply to all Sparrow benefits.
When joining Sparrow, you will become part of the family. We nurture a thoughtful, collaborative, and inclusive culture where everybody feels valued.
We review applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for your best chance to progress to the next stage of the process.
At Sparrow, we are an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment.
Cook – Warragul VIC employer: Sparrow Early Learning
Contact Detail:
Sparrow Early Learning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook – Warragul VIC
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and cultural backgrounds of children. This knowledge will not only help you in menu planning but also show your commitment to providing a nurturing environment for the kids.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have with food safety and hygiene practices. Being able to demonstrate your understanding of these regulations will set you apart as a candidate who prioritises the health and safety of the children.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Sparrow Early Learning. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting and stock control in detail. Being able to articulate how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook – Warragul VIC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements for the Cook position at Sparrow Early Learning. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience as a Childcare Cook or in similar roles. Mention your familiarity with menu planning, dietary needs, and food safety regulations.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to include all relevant certifications such as your Food Handling Certificate, First Aid and CPR certificates, and any qualifications in Children's Services. This will demonstrate your preparedness for the role.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for working with children and your commitment to providing nutritious meals. Mention why you want to work at Sparrow Early Learning specifically and how you align with their values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sparrow Early Learning
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to creating a nurturing and safe environment for kids, as this aligns with the values of Sparrow Early Learning.
✨Demonstrate Menu Planning Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in menu planning, especially how you cater to various dietary needs and cultural backgrounds. You might even want to bring a sample menu you've created to showcase your skills and understanding of nutritional guidelines.
✨Highlight Food Safety Knowledge
Since food handling and safety are crucial in this role, be ready to talk about your Food Handling Certificate and any relevant training. Discuss how you maintain cleanliness and adhere to safety standards in the kitchen, as this will reassure them of your professionalism.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask about the position and the centre's culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to menu diversity or how they support staff development.