Nottingham City caterers have been recognised for providing quality school food.
On Thursday, special guests, head teachers, schools cooks and midday supervisors from forty local schools visited Greenfields Community School to celebrate the City Caterers achieving the Soil Association’s bronze Food for Life Catering Mark; a guarantee that the food served across the city is freshly prepared, locally sourced and high in animal welfare.
The Food for Life Partnership’s national award scheme brings together the whole school, making lunchtimes a positive feature of the day, encourages schools to visit local farms to understand where food comes from and teaches practical cooking and growing skills. Nottingham City Council has commissioned support and training to local schools for the next two years.
Jeanette Orrey MBE, former school cook at St Peter’s C of E Primary in East Bridgford and FFLP co-founder, presented the award and said: “I am delighted FFLP is now working across the city. With Nottingham City Caterers having achieved their bronze Catering Mark, not only will schools automatically tick off the food quality and provenance section of their school award, but most importantly children will be provided with nutritious, quality produce on a daily basis”.
Portfolio Holder for Adults, Health and Community Sector, Councillor Alex Norris said: “It is important children and families in Nottingham City understand the importance of a nutritious diet and the need to eat healthily. We are supporting this initiative to give our children the skills and understanding they need for later life.”
Terry Smith, head teacher at Greenfields Community School, rated ‘Outstanding’ at Ofsted, said, “Having been involved with FFLP for over seven years, and as a Silver Award school, we are delighted to host today’s event. The project framework has been absolutely invaluable, supporting us in developing the curriculum to include gardening, cooking, outside education and Forest Schools. We are fully committed to continuing our journey to Gold and hope to inspire other schools to do the same!”
Guests were given a tour of the growing area and kitchen and wildlife gardens, they also observed two Forest school groups in action and enjoyed the sights and smells as children cook around the school.
Kate Shaw, FFLP’s Local Programme Manager in Nottingham City said: “We are delighted to be here today and to have seen such enthusiasm already from local schools and the City Caterers. Achieving the bronze Catering Mark is a springboard for schools to progress through their awards and is a fantastic basis to begin our work here in Nottingham! To find out about FFLP and to enrol for free on our programme, visit www.foodforlife.org.uk.