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Childcare Chef | Sale

About the role
As the Chef at Journey Early Learning Sale, you’ll play a vital role at the heart of our centre community. Our kitchens are central to daily life, and this is a hands-on, visible role where food, relationships and learning come together.

This is not a “cook and disappear” position. Our chefs are active participants in centre life — engaging with children, educators and families, supporting food education and helping create positive, joyful relationships with food.

You’ll bring our Future Foodies philosophy to life through shared meals, conversations, cooking experiences and collaboration with educators, helping foster curiosity, confidence and connection around food.

Your day will include
• Preparing fresh, nutritious meals aligned to Journey’s seasonal menus
• Bringing the Future Foodies programme to life through daily engagement with children
• Being a familiar, welcoming presence for families and educators
• Supporting food education and modelling positive food relationships
• Maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance
• Contributing to a warm, inclusive centre culture

About our food philosophy
The Future Foodies programme is led by our National Chef Mentor, who designs and curates all seasonal menus and recipes with children’s development, food exposure and enjoyment at the forefront. These menus are guided by strong nutritional governance to ensure they meet best-practice standards while remaining practical, engaging and family-friendly.

At Journey, food is not just prepared in the kitchen — it’s shared, celebrated and woven into the culture of each centre.

About you
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
• Experience preparing meals in a high-volume or regulated environment
• A genuine passion for food, nutrition and working around children
• Strong understanding of food safety and allergen management
• A warm, collaborative approach and willingness to engage with the centre community
• Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain)

Why join Journey Early Learning?
• Be part of a nationally supported food programme led by a National Chef Mentor
• Strong operational support and clear systems
• A role that values connection, creativity and contribution
• Supportive team culture focused on wellbeing and belonging
• Competitive pay, stable hours and employee benefits

About Journey Early Learning
Journey Early Learning is a values-led organisation committed to creating safe, inclusive and inspiring environments for children, families and educators. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and all team members play an active role in ensuring children feel safe, supported and respected every day.