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What was done?

Giffnock Primary School created a strategic action plan to blend catering and education with successful learning. It was linked to whole school learning and community involvement. Activities included:

• the promotion of a healthy eating fortnight across the school in liaison with catering;
• class events and activities promoting healthy eating;
• family events with children and families cooking together;
• the creation of 'Cookalong' recipe books;
• school and parental training in food and hygiene;
• building capacity to develop and run a community cafe;
• staff CLPL.

Why?

Staff were keen to raise awareness and understanding of health and wellbeing in relation to food education. They wanted to raise the profile of food choices in school and also:

• work with the whole school, classes and teachers to build confidence in delivering experiences and outcomes and practical cookery skills in class contexts;
• engage with families in cooking together;
• learn new skills to take home and use at home;
• develop skills and confidence in practical cookery;
• encourage children to be more comfortable with different types of food;
• develop skills in staff and confidence in parents with further training in food and hygiene.

What was the impact?

Young people and parents have evaluated the programme very positively, and catering and education staff are growing in confidence every year. Evidence indicates that the skills taught at school are being taken home.

The deputy headteacher said:

"Working with catering, staff, our young people and their parents has been immensely rewarding. Our young people and families have fully engaged and are leading our next steps which are central to the needs of our school and our community."

A parent said:

"I have really enjoyed working with the school and spending time in school with my child. I am looking forward to helping the school drive forward cooking and in particular working with other parents to deliver cooking experiences to other children and families."

A member of the catering team said:

"I was a bit overwhelmed at first when we discussed the ambitious plans but it has all made good sense when you see the impact."

A pupil said:

"I really liked getting to cook with my mum and eating it with the other kids too."

What happens next?

Following the programme, the school is keen to develop a community cafe, cookery classes run by parents and children, after school clubs and community links with business.

Download(s)

PDF file: Giffnock Primary School 'Cookalong' recipe book (174 KB)