How Do We Achieve This ?

• A balanced diet not only contributes to general well being, it also allows children to be more receptive to new information.
  i.e. it assists the learning process. We ensure that your child has access to a nutritionally balanced meal and that it is served in a friendly and secure environment.
  
  

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• We work closely with school nutrition action groups to help develop a nutrition policy and encourage pupils to maintain a healthy lifestyle beyond the school environment.
  
  

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• By providing the opportunity for pupils to take a hot, two course meal at lunch time, we free parents and carers from the need to prepare packed lunches and in some cases, an evening meal.
  
  

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• Food safety is paramount. All our food production systems have been produced in conjunction with the environmental health officer. We insist upon the highest possible standards from our food suppliers and manufacturers.
  
  

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• School meals assist pupils in developing their social skills. We cater for all children, taking account of their race, religion and special needs.
  
  

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• Our separate training section carries out general staff training and development. Some of our staff have worked in schools for many years and have established a good rapport with pupils and teaching staff. Our favourable terms and conditions enable us to employ good quality people who remain committed to the service.
  
  

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• We are prepared to invest in our staff. This is because, more than any other single factor, it is the quality of staff that determine the success of the service. We have a structured training programme that covers all aspects of the service, from the induction of relief employees through to preparation for management. In addition to the ‘in house’ training provided, all our staff are required to hold, or be prepared to sit for, the Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. This is our minimum standard. All our kitchen supervisors hold the Basic Health and Safety Qualification. Additionally, we are in the process of putting all our cooks in charge of kitchens through the Intermediate Food Hygiene Course.
  
  

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• We have further extended our training programme to incorporate NVQ levels 2 – ‘Catering and Hospitality’ and 3 – ‘Kitchen Supervisor Skills’ to any staff not already possessing the equivalent City and Guilds. We believe that we can only provide a good service if our staff are confident in what they are required to do.
  
  

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  Though mindful of the need to provide a nutritionally balanced meal, we are conscious of the dietary preferences of children and young adults.
  
  
  

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• To ensure that meal times are an enjoyable experience, we also have an ongoing program of customer care courses for all of our staff.
  
  

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• An increasing meals uptake provides schools with an indication of whether their catering service is considered successful by its pupils. This prevents them (the school) from having to go through the time consuming and often expensive process of investigating other caterers. The success of our service allows schools to concentrate on their core business, that of educating pupils. We further assist schools by offering practical support in teaching and learning. We are flexible, accommodating changes to dining arrangements and working with schools to ensure that the service continues to meet their needs.
  
  

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• An additional benefit is that higher meals numbers create opportunities for greater levels of investment and consequently, better dining facilities for pupils and staff.