CHEF

The Centre Chef is responsible for all aspects of planning and safe preparation of a nutritionally balanced menu for all Children, whilst ensuring they have a strong understanding of nutrition and age appropriate foods. The Chef will have regular consultation with families about appropriate menu choices and implement/monitor strict health and hygiene procedures. They must have an enjoyment of preparing, presenting food, as well as be able to talk to

Children about healthy food options.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Menu planning, dietary needs and education

• Develop exciting and nutritious menus in conjunction with families and children’s input, in accordance with the budget

• Order food supplies in bulk where possible and coordinate the weekly supplies of fresh food

• Ensure the menu is rotated according to seasonal changes in produce

• Provides children with food that is interesting and attractive in order to inspire a love of good food, that also develops their tastes

• Ensures that all children’s dietary requirements are met (and hence the health and safety of each child)

• Provides weekly culinary classes to each classroom, educating and nurturing children to develop healthy eating habits

Hygiene and safety

• Works with the current Food Safety program (ensuring it remains up to date), and is incorporated into daily checks and work duties

• Ensures regulations are adhered to in the preparation and clean up of food and food preparation areas

• Maintains a hygienic kitchen environment and ensure equipment is cleaned to the highest standard

Family connections

• Is a role model that interacts with children and families in a warm and positive manner through active listening, responsive to families and engages in

professional and appropriate language and behaviour

• Respects and incorporates the individual values, beliefs and cultural differences of all families into menu planning

• Ensures the menu and all ingredients used are clearly displayed for families to see

• Provides avenues for families to give feedback on the menu for children

• Develops effective communication and displays for families to promote nutrition

• Develops and posts regularly to Educa and other appropriate platforms, in order to communicate and share information with families/team.

Compliance and reporting

• Carries out duties ethically and in line with guideline policies, procedures and regulatory standards

• Read, acknowledge and work in accordance with Green Leaves policies, handbook and procedures

• Ensures accurate record keeping for food safety compliance audits (as per Green Leaves expectations and standards)

• Notifies the Nominated Supervisor/Centre Director immediately of a disclosure of harm or suspicion of harm to a child. Team

• Supports and contributes to Centre culture and philosophy

• Develops and maintains professional and supportive working relationships with all team members that fosters continuous improvement

• Supports and guides the kitchen hand and educators around nutritional guidelines and standards (where applicable)

• Researches suitable professional development opportunities for team members before seeking approval

• Actively attends and participates in monthly team meetings (both mandatory and non-mandatory).

Essential qualifications/experience/skills

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent

• Food Safety Certificate

• Current Senior First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma certificates

• State relevant Working with Children Check, Blue Card or Safety Screening

• Current Child Protection Training

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Highly organized with proven experience juggling a wide range of demands and priorities, and managing time effectively

• Ability to work from 6.30am to 2.30pm in line with the opening of the Centre each day.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience with Qikkids and Educa (or similar equivalent platforms)

• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Facebook