School caterers get healthy training

22nd October 2008, 8:47am

Proving that school dinners have come a long way since Jamie Oliver's campaign, nine staff from Hertfordshire Catering have so far achieved their NVQ Level two in Food Processing and Cooking through the Train to Gain programme at West Herts College.

The course covers all aspects of school catering including health and safety, staff supervision, counter service, ordering stock, and preparing, cooking and serving healthy dishes, pasta and vegetables.

Receiving her certificate during a special ceremony held at the College in Langley Road, Watford, last week, Elaine Brown said: "Since starting the training I've become acting area manager and the skills the course has taught me have definitely helped me find the confidence to progress within Hertfordshire Catering."

Tracey Skeggs, who cooks the school meals at Newberries Primary School in Radlett, said: "Jamie Oliver's campaign gave school dinners in general a bad press, as not all schools were that bad to begin with. Schools in Hertfordshire were already very good at serving healthy meals, but we have improved things even further since Jamie Oliver. About 75% of the children in my school are now signed up to school meals.

"Despite being daunted at the idea of returning to learning at first I've really enjoyed the course. It's been lovely to come away from the kitchen environment and meet new people. The support from the tutor and others in the group was so good."

Following the success of the first group of learners more Hertfordshire Catering staff have signed up to the Train to Gain programme at West Herts College. Carol Harwood, Training and Standards Manager at Hertfordshire Catering, said: "The training received so far has been very positive and we're pleased to have now signed a second group of staff up to the programme, further cementing our relationship with the College."

Related Articles:

• 31 Mar 2010 - Hertfordshire Catering partners with The Saracens to promote healthy school dinners
• 27 Feb 2009 - Tameside Council addresses issues facing catering staff

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