DEBBIE RITCHIE - Centre Cook / Food Safety Supervisor - G8 Education Community Kids

Summary

Dedicated and safety-conscious Centre Cook and Food Safety Supervisor with proven experience in planning, preparing, and delivering nutritious, child-friendly meals in compliance with strict food safety and hygiene standards. Skilled in menu development, allergen management, and kitchen operations, with a strong ability to balance creativity and compliance. Recognised for reliability, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, with a passion for supporting children’s wellbeing through healthy eating. Adept at working within early learning environments, fostering positive relationships with staff and families, and contributing to a safe, welcoming, and values-driven culture.

Overview

24

years of professional experience

1

Certification

Work History

Centre Cook / Food Safety Supervisor

G8 Education Community Kids

10.2022 - Current

Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing allergen and dietary requirements simultaneously without sacrificing quality, or presentation in a timely manner
Manage and run the kitchen of a 60 place centre
Daily menu planning and submission of 4 weekly menus for approval every year.
Weekly ordering of supplies & online shopping for provisions within the budget
Providing a nutritious menu for all meals for the centre, ensuring all food groups are met, including milk and water. Cooking hot meals every day with a variety of Sandwiches fortnightl
Running of the kitchen ensuring all meals are delivered to the individual rooms on time
Clearing trolleys and washing of all crockery, cutlery and cups.
Preparation of individual meals for Allergy and Food Preferences Children. Recording and completing Allergen Forms for each child ensuring the Educators sign for these meal
Recording & Completing daily Temperature charts, Daily Kitchen Checklists, weekly food delivery charts.
Total emptying of all bins and cleaning and sanitising the trolleys and kitchen.
Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
Assisted in inventory management and ordering supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels for efficient kitchen operations.
Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Improved menu offerings, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking methods.
Collaborated with management team to develop new menu items.
Streamlined food preparation process, increasing kitchen productivity.
Fostered culture of teamwork and communication within kitchen, leading to improved efficiency.
Developed system for inventory management, reducing waste and cutting costs.
Implemented rotating menu concept, keeping weekly rotational menu experience fresh and engaging for all children and staff.
Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
Managed time effectively to ensure timely meal preparation, even during peak hours.
Optimized use of kitchen equipment to speed up cooking times without compromising food quality.
Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep work processes.
Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations, maintaining record of excellence in health inspections.
Adapted quickly to menu changes and children’s allergen and special dietary requirements, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to children and staff.
Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations by conducting regular inspections and audits.

Home Based Child Carer

Self Employed

11.2006 - 10.2022

Preserve confidentiality in relation to the children and their families’ information whilst conducting myself in an honest, ethical and professional manner.
Perform multiple tasks whilst attending to the wants and needs each child.
Communication and interpersonal skills are highly essential. The ability to effectively communicate with children and their families. Ability to adjust and tailor my communication to each individual.
Ensure thorough knowledge of each child’s need are understood.
Initiating and planning childcare programs and setting up activities.
Supervising and educating whilst each child is within my care.
Food preparation for all meals and general cleaning.

P&C Executive (Volunteer)

BWSC Woy Woy & Umina Campus

01.2010 - 03.2022

Undertake all financial treasury reports, wages, and superannuation.
Have expert knowledge of Xero.
P&C Representative on selection panels for school interviews and school committees.
Liaise with Principal, Deputy Principal, Executive Staff, SRC and Suppliers.

Polling Official

Australian & State Electoral Commission

01.2007 - 01.2010

Distribution of absentee voting papers
Collection of absentee voting papers
Recording information for all absentee votes
Work well within a team environment

Teachers Aide

Department of Education

01.2002 - 01.2006

Engage in one on one support for children with behavioural and various special needs.
Utilise conflict resolution skills at times to deflate rage behaviours.
Assisting and supporting delivery methods of education to children.
Support and assist teachers and staff.
Tailor approach of communicating effectively to specific targeted audiences.

Education

Woy Woy High

Skills

Verbal and written communication
Team leadership and collaboration
Time management and deadlines
Interpersonal skills
Conflict resolution
Group facilitation

Computer proficiency, Microsoft Office
Adaptability to change
High-pressure handling
Support for all ages
Youth enrichment activities