Caterer Wilson Vale expands educational portfolio

The combined value of the new contracts is £250K in annual turnover. The independent caterer has gained a one-year contract with The Ryleys Preparatory School in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, which opened on Wednesday 7th September. A team of seven Wilson Vale staff now provides a catering service for 260 pupils and 50 staff at the historic school, which is known for its caring and holistic approach to education. Sam Raper, bursar of The Ryleys School, explained: "Having a small, caring and friendly company like Wilson Vale, which has the same ethos as the school, has made all the difference. Since appointing Wilson Vale, the team has produced exciting new menus with fresh and tasty foods, and the children and staff are positively excited by lunch!" The second gain is Yeoman Park School in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, a Special Needs school with 60 pupils ranging in age from three to 19. The catering service was previously operated by Nottinghamshire Council until Wilson Vale took over in early September. Carole Berrill, federation business leader at the school, said: "We were looking to extend pupils' learning opportunities through food by allowing them to experience a wide variety of tastes and textures and encouraging more choice-making. Our goal was to make food an important part of the school day and part of the new school curriculum. "Our on-site catering manager, Gemma Whittle, has already built up a good relationship with pupils and staff. Students, who were reluctant to eat and try new things, are now enjoying the exciting new recipes and many more staff members are also enjoying lunch."