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What was done?

At Calderwood Lodge Nursery, catering staff have been working with groups of children to make food that they can eat at lunchtime. Nursery staff skills are being developed through working with the catering team and this is contributing to cooking within the nursery

Children are learning about the food they eat, the healthy choices they can make, and the journey their food takes before arriving on their tables. Catering staff are building strong relationships with children in the nursery and this is supporting nurturing approaches.

Why?

The project aimed to help children:

• learn new skills to ultimately use at home;
• develop skills and confidence in practical cookery;
• be more comfortable with trying different types of food.

What was the impact?

Education and catering staff have enjoyed working together for the benefit of Better Eating, Better Learning and Good Food Nation. Young people have evaluated the programme very positively, and catering and education staff are growing in confidence every year.

As a direct result of the project, contact was made and information shared with Locavore, a local organic vegetable producer. Now every primary school in the area receives a seasonal vegetable box on a Monday from Locavore. This includes a newsletter with ideas and recipes for using the vegetables.

What happens next?

Calderwood Lodge would like to extend the programme into the school for pupils from P1-P7. There are also plans to invite parents to take part in the cooking activities in order to encourage parental engagement.

What would others really benefit from knowing?

• Ensure risks assessments in place;
• Ensure that children with special diets are taken into consideration;
• Allow time to develop a bespoke programme;
• Give time for catering staff to work with children;
• Appoint project manager and ensure the headteacher is on board.