Little Zak’s Academy is a privately owned, family-run organisation committed to providing high-quality early childhood education and care in a safe, welcoming, inclusive and nurturing environment.

Our vision is to nurture every child in a safe, caring and responsive environment where they can grow, learn and flourish, supporting families every step of the way.

Our passionate team of dedicated professionals is committed to delivering quality education, building meaningful relationships with children and families, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

At Little Zak’s Academy, our values guide everything we do: Education Matters, Passion, Pride, Belonging, Teamwork, Optimism and Safety First.

We are seeking a dedicated full-time Cook/Chef to join our team at Little Zak’s Academy Thornton. In this role, you will prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals each day for children, following our rotational seasonal menus. You will manage daily food preparation, maintain a clean and organised kitchen, and ensure all meals meet dietary and allergy requirements.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a childcare or similar setting, hold a current Food Safety Certificate, and have a genuine passion for creating healthy meals for children.

Why Join Us?

- We are proud to be part of the Australian Government’s Worker Retention Payment program. Eligible team members at Little Zak's Academy now receive an additional 15% on top of award rates. The Australian Government announced that the Worker Retention Payment program would be extended until 30 June 2028, continuing to support wage increases for eligible early childhood educators. Little Zak's Academy was one of the first approved providers nationally to participate in this initiative,



ensuring our team could access these additional benefits from the commencement of the program.
- Competitive remuneration depending on your qualification and experience
- Up to 50 percent staff childcare discount
- Paid wellbeing day each year for permanent staff (after 12 months)
- Health and wellness allowance reimbursing up to $50 per month (gym, pool, wellness memberships)
- $1,000 employee referral bonus for each successful referral
- Employee Assistance Program via Sonder, offering unlimited confidential counselling and wellbeing support
- Paid staff meetings, including dinner provided
- Paid off-floor induction with structured onboarding and training
- Mentoring and buddy system for all new starters
- Study support through Pay for Progression, including Certificate III, Diploma, and Early Childhood Teaching pathways (T&Cs; apply)
- Strong promote-from-within culture with long-term career opportunities

About the role:

- Set shift times - 8am - 2pm
- Prepare morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea for the children based on a 4-week rotating menu
- Ensure that the meals prepared meet the special dietary needs of the children with allergies & cultural preferences
- Ensure secure and hygienic storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks
- Order food supplies in line with menus and within the Centre's budget and check of food deliveries made to the Centre
- To work with the Centre Director to create and prepare a wholesome menu




- Communicate positively with children and staff on a daily basis

About you:

- Relevant qualification in hospitality/commercial cookery/nutrition or early childhood education
- Previous experience in a similar role desirable
- Menu planning and allergy management experiences
- Current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one
- Food Safety Supervisors Certificate or willingness to obtain one
- First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one

Little Zak’s Academy is a Child Safe Organisation. The safety, rights and best interests of children are our paramount consideration. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels respected, protected, valued and empowered.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect or inappropriate conduct. We are committed to upholding the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and applicable Child Safe Standards, and ensuring all employees understand their responsibilities in maintaining a child-safe environment.

Our recruitment process includes rigorous screening and selection procedures, including comprehensive reference checks, Working With Children Checks, National Police Checks and other relevant pre-employment checks.

By applying for a position with Little Zak’s Academy, you acknowledge and agree to undergo all required child safety and employment screening checks. Successful applicants are also expected to uphold our child safety policies and procedures, fulfil their reporting obligations and participate in mandatory child protection training.

We are an equal opportunity employer where diversity is embraced. We foster an inclusive workplace and encourage all suitably qualified candidates to apply.

📌 Childcare Chef (The Entrance)
🏢 Little Zaks
📍 The Entrance