South East School FEAST hosts Easter conference

The college is the only School FEAST centre in Sussex, part of the School FEAST network which helps train school cooks in England. The conference brought together catering managers and staff with a range of specialist training and support providers to share best practice. Over the two days the delegates also undertook the CIEH Level 2 Award in Healthier Food, Nutrition and Special Diets delivered by tutor Martyn Grover, curriculum leader in catering at the college. Delegates also had the opportunity to hear from companies who have developed nutritional analysis software to help schools produce menus which comply with the incoming Nutritional Standards. All schools will need to implement the standards from September this year. Sussex Downs College is working to meet the 'Eat Better, Do Better,' principles from the Schools Food Trust who are promoting the Nutritional Standards. Louise Crowe, skills adviser said: "We are helping to develop a series of compliant weekly menus for school caterers. Using these recipes we will roll out a series of workshops which will help develop skills which can later be assessed in the workplace and be rewarded with an NVQ 2 in Professional Cookery." Judy Hargadon, chief executive, School Food Trust said: "We know the standards are challenging and thus we are delighted that the Sussex Downs College FEAST partnership is making such good progress in helping promote and educate those working in school catering roles. The nutrient-based standards do not restrict choice and provide an opportunity to make a real difference. Events like this conference provide professional support and the opportunity to evaluate menus for compliance with the nutrient-based standards."