School food experts encourage schools to take up training and support
Following the Ofsted news last week that will see healthy eating included in inspections from September, three school food agencies have today called for more schools to make the most of the support and training on offer.
Over one million pounds worth of training, support and materials is available and chief executives from the Children’s Food Trust, Food for Life Partnership and the Design and Technology Association have urged head teachers and bursars to use this support in preparation for investigations as Ofsted looks for a culture of healthy eating.
Libby Grundy of the Food for Life Partnership, said: "Improving school meals has been put on the plate of head teachers, caterers and school business managers in recent years and this support package is an ideal way they can access expert support.
"Improving school meals will in turn lead to improvements in attainment and behaviour which is great news for any school.
“I am delighted that Ofsted inspections will now include school food; schools need not be daunted by this and if staff at junior or secondary schools need a little extra support then the packages on offer across England can make all the difference, but time is of the essence so please register now."
Linda Cregan, chief executive of the Children’s Food Trust, said: “Giving all infants free meals at school is a chance to create a real legacy: a generation of children who’ve grown up with good school food.
“This support package is here to help junior and secondary schools build on that, to get more children opting for school meals way beyond Year 2. With Ofsted including a focus on school food in their inspections from September, there’s an even bigger incentive to get involved, so don’t miss out.”
Louise Davies from the D&T Association said: "Our programmes provide tailor made support for schools so that they are totally supported in making changes to school meals and learning about food choices.
“Every headteacher, governing body and food teacher needs to grab this opportunity for fully funded and proven solutions immediately"