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David Catterall, head of commercial services for Bury Council, was pleased to learn that a trial of SchoolGrid was already underway in three schools.

He said: “Although not familiar with the system, I could quickly see its adoption would assist my contribution to our corporate priorities of modernisation, greater inclusiveness and addressing the environmental crisis. Because it has been designed by caterers from the start, using it didn’t seem alien to them.

“The required processes made sense and so came naturally. Although reducing labour costs wasn’t an objective of ours, the system actually does free up staff time, meaning they can concentrate on service enhancement and customer engagement.”

The schools themselves have been quick to see the benefits – particularly around admin. It has also enabled increased direct contact with parents.

Catterall added: “The system removes the laborious processes of reconciling cash and chasing outstanding debts, and headteachers appreciate the improved service to pupils that SchoolGrid facilitates, increasing school satisfaction with our service.”

“Previously, much of the contact was carried via schools, sometimes resulting in systems which weren’t particularly customer-friendly. For example, they might require a pupil wanting school meals to commit for as much as a half term. Now, they can choose to take a meal as late as 9am each morning.”

Parental confidence in the service has been increased because when they access menus, for instance, they can easily see the system doesn’t allow the selection of any options containing allergens dangerous to their child, while retaining a wide selection their child can choose from.

Catterall commented: “It has improved perceptions of the service. We no longer receive calls from anxious parents who’ve been told by their child that there was nothing to choose from. Pupils, too, enjoy the improved service because they’re guaranteed their preferred choice of meal.

“Not only that, but with SchoolGrid food waste has been cut by 8%, helping minimise our environmental impact. And when combined with an 8% increase in meal uptake, it has resulted in a substantial reduction in operating costs. So much so, that the system pays for itself.”

The initial trial has now been rolled out to a further 20 schools and Catterall said he plans to extend the scheme to all remaining schools within the current financial year.  

“We were a strong service before, but SchoolGrid has simply made us better and we are now more attractive to our clients and customers. SchoolGrid is supportive, accessible and solutions-focussed. We would recommend them to any local authority looking to improve their service,” explained Catterall.