The School Food Trust has introduced a new series of low-cost training sessions designed specifically for the school food sector.
The programme of one-day sessions covers topics in greatest demand from schools, caterers and councils, as training budgets tighten.
It focuses on growing the healthy school meals market – with sessions on subjects such as increasing free school meal take up, engaging parents and pupils with healthy food at school, 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.
This coincides with new figures showing that while the number of children eating school meals has climbed for the third year in a row, pupils choosing school food are still in the minority.
The School Food Trust's director of delivery, Linda Smith, 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 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.