Great Chefs and Cooks start here
With your cooking skills, a love of food starts early
When you join Guardian, you will be contributing to a team effort to create awesome learning experiences for children in a safe and secure environment. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with Educators and Teachers to make food part of the learning journey and have the satisfaction of seeing how children respond to new and wonderful flavours. In addition, you will have a great place to work, filled with exciting opportunities to grow your career.
You will be creating menus full of delicious and nutritious snacks and meals for children and their Educators, as well as being part of the learning experience when they help you prepare food, forage from the garden, and learn about what they’re eating.
It all comes together at mealtimes, where children and teams share food together, enjoying each other’s company and learning how nothing brings people together like great food.
Discover the next step in your food and cooking career with meals and snacks that leave smiles days.
Guardian for Cooks and Chefs
Grow and learn as much as your healthy meals and snacks supports growing minds and bodies
Not only will you be creating nutritious meals for children, but you will also have the chance to explore new recipes and cooking techniques that can excite young taste buds. Our collaborative approach means that you can work closely with Educators and Teachers to incorporate food into learning experiences, making it a fun and educational experience for all.
- Educational support to undertake Diploma and Degree programs.
- Mentoring and peer support opportunities to develop your professional skills.
- Discounted fees at our Centres for your child.
- Reward and recognition initiatives to acknowledge the value of your contribution to our purpose.
- Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program to support your health and wellbeing.
Excel in your culinary craft, supporting young children’s nutrition and well-being through exceptional food preparation and kitchen leadership.
Being a Cook or Chef at Guardian
Would you like to use your skills and experience in planning and preparing delicious meals and snacks, knowing that you’re supporting young children to learn, grow, and thrive? Working as a Cook or Chef at Guardian puts you at the centre of supporting the care and education of young children. Your food will support how they learn about colour, smell, taste, touch, and experience the wonders of food.
- Develop a seasonal, nutritious menu that respects individual requirements regarding medical conditions, food preferences, and cultural considerations and supports children’s health and wellbeing
- Building strong relationships with the children, Educators, families and the Centre community.
- Ensure best practice food safety and hygienic standards are always upheld.
Transform your kitchen skills and experience into menus children will love.
Introducing GStar
Recognising and celebrating great work by Cooks and Chefs in our childcare centres
We all know that when we feel valued, we also feel motivated to do our best in supporting and nurturing children. When we feel valued, it creates a positive and supportive work environment.
GStar is simple and easy-to-use platform to shine a spotlight on team members. We can recognise their achievements, mindsets and important milestones like birthdays and workplace anniversaries. It’s all about celebrating the big and little wins each day in your team and Centre.
GStar also has a points system – being recognised for great work helps you accrue points that can be redeemed for rewards, from brand-name merchandise and gift cards, to travel experiences, charitable donations and more.
GStar is helping us make Guardian Centres places people love to be.
We’re working hard to support Cooks and Chefs to thrive and love their roles.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Cook and Chef roles at Guardian
What qualifications do I need to apply for a Childcare Cook or Chef role at Guardian?
Our preferred candidates will possess a Food Safety Supervisor certificate and a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or be working towards it. We also value experience and passion for cooking. Candidates should have an awareness of their personal responsibilities under the current Child Protection Laws and hold a current Working with Children’s Check or state-specific equivalent. We provide opportunities for ongoing professional development and support to upskill to a Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Will I have the opportunity to work with children in my role as a Cook or Chef at Guardian?
Yes, our collaborative approach allows cooks and chefs to connect with children during meal preparation, gardening activities, and food education experiences! You’ll also get the wonderful opportunity to work closely with Educators and Teachers to weave food into learning experiences. Together, we create a vibrant community of learning and deliciousness!
Will I have the opportunity to create menus and recipes as a Cook or Chef at Guardian?
Absolutely! We value creativity in our kitchen team members and encourage them to develop seasonal menus that cater to individual dietary requirements and preferences while also supporting children’s health and wellbeing. You will have the opportunity to develop and implement new recipes and cooking techniques that excite young taste buds and foster a love for healthy food.
What kind of work environment can I expect at Guardian as a Cook or Chef?
We prioritise creating a positive and supportive work culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best every day. We believe in teamwork, collaboration, open communication, and continuous learning and growth. Our Centres are vibrant communities where children come to learn, explore, and play while being nourished with healthy and delicious meals prepared by our talented Cooks and Chefs.