Making a difference with Food in Schools

Food in Schools is part of a national programme funded by the Department for Children, Schools & Families and supported by the Department of Health. It is managed on their behalf by a consortium made up of the Design & Technology Association, British Nutrition Foundation, Specialist Schools & Academies Trust and the National Primary Headteachers’ Association and provides an exciting opportunity for primary teachers to receive free training with a particular emphasis on developing their practical food skills. Specialist food teachers from secondary schools are trained to work in partnership with primary schools to provide this programme of professional development. Food in Schools is the only DCFS accredited provider of practical food skills and helps schools to meet the Healthy Schools Criteria 2.2 and 2.9 requiring staff to have undertaken practical food training.

In some areas (including Lancashire, The Wirral, Ealing, Islington, Camden, Harrow, Havering, Kensington & Chelsea) Healthy Schools teams are working actively with Food in Schools to complement and add value to existing healthier food initiatives and curriculum development in their primary schools.

Food in Schools believes that the best way of children gaining essential food knowledge and skills is in learning through doing so that same approach is taken when training the teachers. They are given time to make and evaluate recipes and to consider how they could be used with children.

“Teachers love the 2-day course because it is so practical. Not only do they get to make and cook a range of dishes, they are shown practical strategies for going back into schools and making them with children. It is important that children learn to cook, but also that they learn the basics of nutrition, safety and hygiene and develop a keen interest in food.” Barbara Mottershead, Food in Schools Trainer and Regional Manager for the North-West

“I was apprehensive when I first arrived on the course. Would it be relevant? Could I transfer ideas to the classroom? But after 2 days I am buzzing with ideas that I want to try out. This is such an important area for young people, plus they develop self-esteem, confidence and social skills through cooking for themselves. Now I believe I can do something really positive about food education in my school.” Course participant, Camden

Chris Willingale, Food in Schools Trainer and Regional Manager for the South East, provides this report from Meadgate Primary School in Essex which is typical of the primary schools attending the training. “Before the training they had achieved the Intermediate Healthy Schools Award, KS1 children benefited from the government’s free fruit initiative, they had a drive on healthy snacking throughout the school and had changed their school dinner suppliers so that food was better quality and organic. But they didn't cook much in lessons, even though the school has kitchens and two cooks who are very understanding and obliging.

Since the Food Partnership training they have disseminated what they learnt to all teaching staff to maximise the impact of the training. One class alone have cooked three times in one term. They are working next on The Great Fire Of London and used the bread recipe tried on the course. They now have a cookery club run by the school cook and a Teaching Assistant and have been given a real boost towards achieving the higher level Healthy Schools Award.”

For details of the Food in Schools programme, including how your school can get involved, go to: www.foodinschools.org or contact Paul at the Design & Technology Association Tel: 01789 473912 or paul.drury@data.org.uk
 
Ali Farrell, Food in Schools Trainer and Regional Manager for London