Seedlings & Co is a warm, community-focused early learning centre caring for up to 87 children each day. We believe good food is part of good education mealtimes are where children build healthy habits, try new flavours, and see their own families and cultures reflected on the plate. Our kitchen sits at the heart of the centre, and our chef plays a genuine role in the wellbeing and learning of every child.

About the role

We're looking for an experienced Centre Chef to take full ownership of our kitchen: planning, preparing and serving nutritious, seasonal meals and snacks for up to 87 children across a range of ages, from babies through to preschoolers. You willl design menus that are wholesome and genuinely diverse, celebrating the many cultures represented in our community and introducing children to food from around the world.

This is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 3/3:30pm - school-friendly hours with no late nights and no weekends. It's also a hands-on, autonomous role: you'll run the kitchen day to day, manage ordering and food safety, and adapt on the fly when allergies, dietary needs or a change of plan call for it. We need someone who can hit the ground running and doesn't wait to be asked.

Key responsibilities

Plan and prepare fresh, nutritious meals, snacks and drinks for up to 87 children daily, meeting Australian Dietary Guidelines and Get Up & Grow recommendations

Design diverse, seasonal, rotating menus that reflect the cultural and religious backgrounds of our families and expose children to a wide variety of cuisines and flavours

Cater confidently for allergies,



intolerances, and cultural and religious dietary requirements, working closely with families and educators on individual needs

Manage all aspects of food ordering, stock rotation and storage while keeping within budget

Maintain a spotless, secure kitchen in line with the centre's Food Safety Program, National Quality Standard and WHS regulations

Display current menus for families and contribute nutrition ideas to newsletters and family communications

Keep accurate records and adjust menus based on feedback, seasonality and children's needs

About you

Previous experience cooking in a childcare, early learning or similar setting is essential: you understand the age groups, the portion sizes, and the nutrition standards we work to

A self-starter who takes ownership of the kitchen and keeps things running without needing to be managed

Highly adaptable and calm under pressure you adjust easily when a child's dietary needs, numbers or the day's plan change

Passionate about food as a way to celebrate culture, and creative in bringing diverse cuisines to young palates

Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene; a current Food Safety Supervisor certificate (or willingness to obtain one) is highly regarded

A relevant commercial cookery or food qualification is valued, though hands-on childcare kitchen experience matters most

Warm, reliable and genuinely enjoys being part of a team that puts children first

Current Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain), and up-to-date immunisations as required

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📌 Chef- Childcare (Ipswich)
🏢 Seedlings
📍 Ipswich