ECE Centre Cook (BestStart Huntington)
BestStart Huntington provides high‑quality early education and award‑winning childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Centre Cook to join our energetic and tight‑knit team. Nutritious food is an essential part of the care we provide, and your role will directly support the wellbeing of every child in our centre.
About BestStart Huntington
BestStart Huntington is a warm and welcoming early childhood centre that values strong relationships with children, whānau, and the wider community. Our philosophy is grounded in providing a nurturing, inclusive, play‑based learning environment where children feel safe, confident, and supported to explore and grow.
We follow the Healthy Heart programme, promoting nutritious kai and wellbeing as part of our daily practice. Our caring and experienced team works collaboratively to deliver high‑quality care and education, while maintaining strong connections with families to create a sense of belonging.
About the Role
Whether you are newly qualified or an experienced chef, if you have a passion for preparing healthy meals for young children, we would love to hear from you.
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Centre Cook to join our busy team at BestStart Huntington. We are searching for someone who can provide fresh, nutritious, and culturally varied meals for our children each day.
As our Centre Cook, you will:
- Plan, prepare, and cook appetising meals for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
- Follow Healthy Heart guidelines to ensure balanced, nutritious menus
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen organisation
- Manage weekly menu planning, ordering, and budgeting
- Support the centre with daily laundry duties, including washing, drying, folding, and organising
- Engage with children and occasionally support teachers on the floor
- Contribute positively to a collaborative, supportive team environment
This is a permanent, 35‑hour‑per‑week position, working Monday to Friday, ideally with an 8.30am start.
What We’re Looking For
- Health and safety knowledge and high standards of hygiene
- Passion for cooking and baking
- Team‑focused approach with flexibility to support in the classroom when needed
- Understanding of allergies and dietary needs
- Computer literacy for menu design and ordering
- Ability to work within food budgets
- Commitment to promoting healthy eating for young children
Why Join BestStart?
We value our people and offer a range of benefits to support your growth and wellbeing:
- Paid Food Handling Certificate
- Access to Whare Ako, our online learning platform
- Career development support
- $2000 for referring a qualified teacher*
- Discounted childcare
- Subsidised health insurance*
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Confidential EAP counselling
- Wellbeing programme
- Sick leave available from day one
- One week of additional leave after 10 years of service
How to Apply: Click Apply Now and become part of a team that embraces growth, collaboration, and the joy of supporting young learners. We look forward to welcoming you to BestStart Huntington.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
