What can you be doing now as part of the school food plan?
There have been many questions asked over the last week but the above has been one of the most commonly asked.
Schools, parents and caterers want to know exactly what they should be doing now the plan has been announced. It’s great to see so many people ready and raring to go which is why I thought it would be best if I share five things that schools, parents and caterers can do straightaway.
Make sure all teachers, school governors and school caterers have read the plan. We have 16 actions signed off by Government so you need to ensure that everyone has read it and understands what is expected of them.
Go through the Headteacher checklist with your senior leadership team and have a brainstorm around what you can be doing and when.
Create a school food action plan for the autumn term using the Headteacher checklist as a starting point. Make sure all parents have a copy of the menu or know where to get one if you promote it online.
Let us know where you need support and what currently works well for you so we can include it on our website. You can do this through our contact form on www.schoolfoodplan.com or via @schfoodplan on Twitter.
Connect with others on Twitter and Facebook to share ideas. You can also join in the #schoolfoodchat discussions which will be launched very soon.
One of the best ways to find out what the food is like in your school is to talk to your child. If they currently have a school meal what do they think of them and are there any ways they can be improved.
Contact your child’s school and find out how what they are doing to implement the school food actions.
Don’t just listen to the headlines. Make sure you read the plan yourself and let us know via the website if you have any concerns, questions or would like to share something your child’s schools has done well.
Connect with other parents on our Facebook page which will go live very soon.
If your child currently has a packed lunch, why not look at the menu for next term with your child. It may be they could try a school meal on a day when one of their favourite dishes is being served. Speak to your child’s school if you would like to try a school meal as well. School meals have changed a great deal over the last few years.
Read the plan and share it with all your catering team. You may like to use this video in your cooks training this summer http://www.schoolfoodplan.com/film/.
Identify which schools in your area need the most urgent support to increase meal numbers. These should be your main focus for the next school term.
Send any questions related to the plan and tell us what works well for you via the website contact form or via Twitter @schfoodplan.
Check your eligibility for additional funding or to become a flagship borough.
Make appointments with your headteachers’ to discuss how you can support them in increasing take up.
One thing I would say to all of you is there are many groups and partnerships and charities who are passionate about this industry and who work to support great food culture in schools. Make contact with them and see how they can help you. You can find out more at www.schoolfoodplan.com.
