The Fair Work Commission has introduced important changes to how cooks are classified and paid under the Children’s Services Award 2010. These changes recognise that many cooks in early childhood settings perform responsibilities that go beyond food preparation and contribute directly to children’s care and safety.
Who Is Covered By The New Rule?
A cook must be paid at CSE rates if:
- Your employer requires you to hold, or be actively working towards, an approved early childhood education and care (ECEC) qualification, and
- You may be required at any time to work directly with children to help maintain educator‑to‑child ratios.
If both apply, you are considered to be performing a dual role: cook and educator support.
How Your Pay Is Decided
If you meet the criteria above, your pay must match the CSE level that aligns with your ECEC qualification, for example:
- Working towards a qualification → paid at the introductory/educator level
- Certificate III → paid at the qualified educator level
- Certificate IV → paid at the experienced educator level
- Diploma → paid at the advanced educator level
New Minimum Pay Rates
- Level 1 – Introductory Educator: $995.40/week or $26.19/hr
- Level 2 - Educator: $1025.90/week or $27.00/hr
- Level 3 – Qualified Educator: $1121.80/week or $29.52/hr
- Level 4 - Experienced Educator: $1197.10/week or $31.50/hr
- Level 5 – Advanced Educator: $1263.30/week or $33.24/hr
This ensures your pay reflects both your kitchen responsibilities and your educator‑related duties.
Who Is Not Covered?
You remain a Support Worker (Cook) if:
- You are not required to hold or study an ECEC qualification, and
- You are not required to work directly with children.
In this case, your role is classified purely as a cook, and support worker wage rates continue to apply.
Further Reading
Increase Pay Rates and New Classification Structure For Cert 3 and Diploma-Qualified Educators From 2026
Wage Increases Over Five Years For Certificate 3 and Diploma-Qualified Educators
Understanding Your New Classification Level in the Children’s Services Award From 2026
References:
Decision [2025] FWCFB 283 (pdf)
Determination for the Children's Services Award 2010 PR794818 (pdf)
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