I currently work as a part-time cook in a busy Childcare Centre. I have a Certificate 3 TAFE Qualification in Commercial Cookery. I am writing this post as it has become clear to me that 'cooks' in childcare centres are (in my opinion) under qualified, working under enormous pressures and carrying a lot of responsibility. I personally feel that the qualifications required by law do not match the responsibility of a child care cook. I would love to hear what others have to say about this. There are so many children with special needs, dietary requirements and allergies - children are very vulnerable - and it is a huge resposibility that the cooks ensure that these needs are met. I take my job very seriously and I do not do it for the money (the pay rate is unbelievably low - for the level of responsibility). We want our children to have healthy, tasty food and I always do my best to do this - working with a set menu, however the number one priority of a child-care cook is to provide the children with a safe environment ensuring that their health and dietary needs are fulfilled. I have introduced to my centre a dietary requirement checklist, a whiteboard and mandatory labelling. It is however, very difficult to get others to follow these procedures. Cooks are so often strapped for time and take shortcuts in order to get the job done (this is not my practice) and are often uneducated. I have always discussed my concerns with my director and owner of our centres - being a cook in a childcare centre is hard work, we work to a strict time frame, alot is expected of us, we are on our feet all day and there are no breaks (I don't have time to take a break). Personally, in order to get my job done properly, I go in 1 hour earlier at my own expense and often work beyond my work hours - I do this because I have pride in what I do and want to do the job to the best of my ability.
I am very interested in others opinions on this topic and any advice, feedback, response or suggestions to improving and supporting childcare cooks would be greatly appreciated. I intend to look into this topic further, it is my aim to improve this sector of the industry - I intend to pass on this information to my Director.
I am very interested in others opinions on this topic and any advice, feedback, response or suggestions to improving and supporting childcare cooks would be greatly appreciated. I intend to look into this topic further, it is my aim to improve this sector of the industry - I intend to pass on this information to my Director.