School Food Trust launches low cost training series for education caterers

The School Food trust (SFT) has launched a new series of low-cost training sessions designed specifically for the education catering sector.

The programme of one-day sessions covers subject areas such as increasing free school meal take up, engaging parents and pupils with healthy food at school and creative marketing for school meals on a limited budget.

Using cooking in the curriculum and developing flexible menus whilst still meeting the national standards for school food are also featured.

Linda Smith, director of delivery at the SFT, said: "These are 'hot topics' in school food at the moment, and the content for every course comes from the expertise we've gained by working with thousands of schools over the last six years.

"That's why we know that these intensive but low-cost sessions will really hit the spot for practical help on increasing demand for school meals. Delegates will walk away with actions and ideas that have been tried and tested in schools across the country."

The launch follows hot on the heels of new figures released by the SFT in conjunction with the Local Authority Caterers Association (LACA) that found that despite the number of children opting for a school meal has increased for the third year in a row, pupils choosing school food are still in the minority.

The courses begin in October, with sessions in London and Birmingham and prices starting at £150 for one day. Discounts are available for delegates booking before the end of July, on more than one course or more than one place. For more information, visit http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/howto

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By Janie Stamford

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