Join a cooks network
A cooks network is a collaborative community of cooks that meet regularly to network, share knowledge and develop their skills. Joining a cooks network offers cooks a supportive environment to build their confidence and capacity to plan menus that meet the Menu planning guidelines for long day care, using a whole of service approach.
Why join a cooks network?
Cooks networks are a supportive environment, designed to build the confidence and capacity of cooks working in long day care services (LDCs) to plan menus to meet the Victorian Government Menu planning guidelines for long day care and tackle the challenges of their role. A cooks network is typically facilitated by a local health promoter, bringing together cooks in their local area. There are many benefits in joining a cooks network community.
Benefits to Cooks:
- Gain support in creating nutritious menus that meet the Menu planning guidelines for long day care.
- Meet fellow cooks to share knowledge, problem solve and offer mutual support and advice.
- Increase knowledge and skills to overcome common challenges like allergies and managing fussy eating.
- Access free professional development sessions and resources.
- Receive certificates for attendance and professional development completion.
Benefits to Centre Managers:
- Your cooks will have the opportunity for peer support.
- Access to free professional development.
- Increased nutrition knowledge, competency and efficiency.
- The potential for improved staff retention.
Benefits to long day care services:
- Highlights to families/carers that nutrition is a key priority at your centre.
- Provides evidence to support Quality Improvement Plans under the National Quality Standard quality area 2.1.3, via meeting the Menu planning guidelines for long day care.
- Opportunity to display the cook’s professional development certificates in your centre.
For more information please phone 1300 22 52 88 or email heas@nutritionaustralia.org.au
Except where otherwise indicated, the images in this document show models and illustrative settings only, and do not necessarily depict actual services, facilities or recipients of services. This document may contain images of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In this document, ‘Aboriginal’ refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ‘Indigenous’ or ‘Koori/Koorie’ is retained when part of the title of a report, program or quotation. Copyright © State of Victoria 2016
Written and reviewed by dietitians and nutritionists at Nutrition Australia, with support from the Victorian Government.
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The Healthy Eating Advisory Service is delivered by experienced nutritionists and dietitians at Nutrition Australia Vic Division, with support from the Victorian Government.
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