Connect.
Learn.
Grow.
with Aspire
Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten is looking for a passionate and experienced Chef to join our team at our Tarneit Place service.
Connect.
Learn.
Grow.
with Aspire
Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten is looking for a passionate and experienced Chef to join our team at our Tarneit Place service.
This is a fantastic prospect for a dedicated Chef or Cook who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children, while enjoying the benefits of a Monday to Friday role with no late nights or weekends.
You'll take ownership of the centre kitchen, preparing fresh, nutritious and delicious meals for children aged 0–5 years, while helping create a positive food culture within the service.
Why Join Aspire?
At Aspire, we are committed to creating workplaces where our people feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive.
Monday to Friday role – no nights or weekends
8:00am–4:00pm shift, including a 30-minute unpaid break
Permanent part-time position
Opportunity to be an integral part of the Tarneit Place kitchen team
Prepare fresh, nutritious meals for children aged 0–5
50% childcare gap fee discount at Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten centres
Paid Birthday Leave
Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Supportive leadership and positive team culture
Competitive hourly rate and secure employment
The Chance
As the Centre Chef, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring children receive nutritious, balanced and appealing meals that meet their individual dietary needs.
You Will
Plan and prepare daily meals including breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea




Develop and prepare rotating, seasonal menus that align with early childhood nutritional guidelines
Cater safely and confidently for allergies, anaphylaxis, intolerances and cultural dietary requirements
Prepare meals independently and ensure food is ready and served according to the centre's daily schedule
Maintain accurate food safety records and ensure all kitchen practices meet relevant regulations and standards
Maintain a clean, hygienic and well-organised kitchen environment
Manage stock levels, order fresh ingredients and work within an allocated budget
Adjust meal quantities and preparation based on daily attendance and centre requirements
Work collaboratively with educators and the wider centre team
Support cooking experiences and food-based learning activities with children where appropriate
Contribute to a warm, positive and inclusive food culture within the centre
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about food and takes pride in providing high-quality meals for young children.
To Be Successful, You Will Have
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent experience
Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
Previous experience working as a Chef or Cook
Experience with batch cooking or catering, ideally within early childhood, education, healthcare or a similar environment




Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and dietary requirements
Experience managing allergies, anaphylaxis and special dietary requirements with a high level of attention to detail
The ability to independently manage a kitchen from ordering through to meal preparation and clean-up
Excellent organisation and time management skills
A proactive and adaptable approach to changing centre needs
A warm, friendly and child-focused personality
Current Working with Children Check
Relevant first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis qualifications, or willingness to obtain
A Role Where You Can Make a Difference Working as a Chef in early childhood is about more than preparing meals.
You'll play an important role in supporting children's health, wellbeing and development through nutritious food and positive experiences around mealtimes.
If you're passionate about creating fresh, healthy meals and want a role where your work directly contributes to the wellbeing of young children, we would love to hear from you.
Join the Aspire team at Tarneit Place and help us create a positive food culture from the kitchen up.
Our Commitment Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten is committed to child safety, inclusion and diversity.
We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are dedicated to creating safe, supportive and empowering environments for all children.
We value diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We are also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating culturally safe workplaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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📌 Chef - Tarneit Place (Victoria)
🏢 Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten
📍 Victoria