Kingswood > Secondary Schools

Home | 10 October 2008

About Idols

Eating trends among older children have changed drastically over the last 10 – 15 years. As with the wider population, they often don’t want a structured two course meal. They are more content to ‘browse’. They take the view that a successful meal is one that can be eaten quickly and easily. Many even consider the use of cutlery an inconvenience. They want food to be presented and packaged in such a way as to minimise inconvenience.

Ossett In addition, pupils are now much more familiar with high street outlets. These offer them the level of convenience that they expect in a pleasant and welcoming environment. ‘Branding’ is as important to them at meal times as on a shopping trip.

It is no longer sufficient for a school meals service to simply provide a good value, nutritious meal. To be successful, we must compare favourably with high street retailers and provide the style of service required by our customers.

Remember - You can help the queues move faster if you have your payment ready when you reach the tills

The introduction of cafeteria-style services in all secondary schools was our first step in this process. Under these arrangements, pupils can now enjoy a meal that meets their expectations.

Quick Guide

Our menus and prices cleary displayed
We want our service to suit you. If you have an idea for improving the service, please pass them to your tutor group rep to the Student Council. Whenever possible, changes will be made to include your ideas
We want you to enjoy your meal. If you have a complaint, please contact your kitchen supervisor.
If you feel that your complaint has not been dealt with adequately, please contact a member of the student council

If not fully satisfied with the way your complaint has been dealt with in school, please contact Kingswood Catering by clicking on the contact us button.

The launch of ‘Idols’ was the logical progression. The theme ‘Idols’ was chosen as the cultures of music, sport, film and t.v. are ones with which pupils readily identify. Because it is a generic theme, it can easily be updated to accommodate ever-changing tastes and fashions.

Idols provides an environment that our customers enjoy using along with an easily identifiable brand name. Idols involves redecorating and refurbishing dining rooms, upgrading furniture, providing attractive artwork, and modernising the serveries. It also allows an increased use of packaging which in turn, creates a faster and more efficient throughput, essential for pupils wishing to make the most of their lunch time break. We have proved without question that pupils are more prepared to buy lunch if their meal is packaged and presented in the right way. This ensures that lunch money is spent at school and not with local retailers.

Kingswood Catering is careful to balance the requirement for a cost effective service with the need to be socially responsible. Consequently, the Idols concept is also used to promote balance in the diet. The menus offered continue to meet national nutritional standards. Dishes considered to be particularly ‘healthy’ are sold at discounted rates and of course, a traditional two course meal continues to be available every day.

We have been introducing Idols branding in high schools throughout Wakefield and the final one will be completed this year!

Cashless systems

Our latest initiative is the introduction of ‘cashless’ systems. These allow pupils to load money onto swipe cards which can then be used at breakfast break or lunch.

Cashless systems have proved popular with parents and pupils alike
Convenience when paying for meals – no more hunting for change
Discourages the misuse of dinner money through spending in local shops
Queuing times are reduced - through increased speed of service
No stigma for those pupils taking free school meals
Gives pupils life skills by making them responsible for their own account
Parents can restrict the amount that their child can spend during any one breakfast, break or lunch period