About the role

St Jakobi Early Years is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Early Childhood Centre Cook to join our team on a part-time basis. Based in Lyndoch SA 5351, this role is essential to our operations, as you will be responsible for preparing nutritious, balanced, and delicious meals for the children and staff at our centre. This position plays a vital role in supporting the health, development, and wellbeing of the children in our care by ensuring they receive high-quality food prepared to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.

What you'll be doing

- Planning and preparing a variety of healthy, age-appropriate meals and snacks that cater to the nutritional needs of young children, including accommodations for dietary requirements and allergies
- Maintaining strict food safety and hygiene standards in accordance with relevant legislation and best practices, including proper food storage, handling, and preparation techniques
- Managing kitchen inventory, ordering supplies, and monitoring stock levels to ensure the kitchen operates efficiently and cost-effectively
- Preparing meals that are visually appealing and developmentally appropriate, whilst considering cultural diversity and individual preferences
- Working collaboratively with educators and management to understand children's dietary needs, preferences, and any medical or cultural considerations
- Maintaining a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment, including regular cleaning of equipment and adherence to health regulations
- Contributing to a positive, welcoming atmosphere and engaging with children and families in a professional and caring manner




- Following centre policies and procedures, and remaining up to date with food safety certifications and training requirements

What we're looking for

- Qualifications or certification as a chef or cook, or demonstrated substantial experience in a professional kitchen environment
- Knowledge of nutrition and an understanding of the specific dietary requirements of young children
- Current Food Safety Supervisor Certification (or willingness to obtain this qualification)
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene practices and compliance with relevant food safety legislation
- Experience preparing meals that accommodate allergies, intolerances, and cultural dietary requirements
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with educators, management, and families
- A genuine passion for child health and wellbeing, with a commitment to providing quality nutrition in an early childhood setting
- Attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage a kitchen efficiently
- Reliability and flexibility, with the ability to work part-time hours as required by the centre
- A current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one prior to employment





What we offer St Jakobi Early Years is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where our staff can thrive. We offer:

- Part-time working arrangements that support work-life balance, with excellent shift times.
- A collaborative and welcoming team environment where your contributions are valued
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children
- Ongoing support and access to professional development opportunities
- A centre that prioritises staff wellbeing and fosters a positive workplace culture
- Competitive remuneration in line with industry standards

About us St Jakobi Early Years is a dedicated early childhood service located in Lyndoch, South Australia. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children and their families. Our centre values quality care, inclusivity, and community engagement.

We believe that nutrition is a cornerstone of child development, and we are proud to offer wholesome, carefully prepared meals that support the health and happiness of every child in our care. Our team works collaboratively to ensure that each child has the best possible start in life.

Apply now

If you are passionate about early childhood education and delivering exceptional culinary care to young children, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application including your CV, cover letter, and details of your relevant qualifications to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday 9th October 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to our team.

📌 Early Childhood Centre Cook (Lyndoch)
🏢 Southern Barossa Community Childcare Centre
📍 Lyndoch