EVERY CHILD MATTERS

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• EVERY CHILD MATTERS-
• SCHOOL CATERING IN SOUTHWARK

Presentation to Helsinki Delegation 29.03.06
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Southwarks context

• In 2004 ranked 12th most deprived borough in
  England and Wales
• Comprehensive Performance Assessment rating for
  2005 - 3 star overall performance (Improving
  well)
• Catering budget devolved to schools

www.southwark.gov.uk
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Strategic approach to school meals

• Scoping
• Identifying priorities
• Action planning as a continuous process

www.southwark.gov.uk
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SCHOOL MEALS BASELINE PROJECT IN 2005

• Identified current provision
• Evaluated current standards
• Identified current contracts/costs
• Identified Best Practice

www.southwark.gov.uk
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Key strategic priorities includes working with
key stakeholders through our Healthy Food
Steering Group to ensure

• Schools sufficiently skilled to support the
  Healthy Food agenda
• Procurement and contract support for schools
• Availability of policies and guidance
• Support for action planning in schools

www.southwark.gov.uk
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In practiceWhole school approach to Healthy Food

• Teachers encourage children to talk about food to
  complement the school curriculum
• ECO teacher growing vegetables with the children
• Children seeing vegetables grown in their natural
  state and not only on shelves in supermarkets
• Tasting sessions and feedback from children in
  the School Council
• Theme days
• Choice

www.southwark.gov.uk
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In practiceImproving childrens concentration
and learning ability

• Establishing from nutritionists which foods
  contributes to these goals.
• Meals analysis by a professional nutritionist to
  see if the nutritional value is correct for the
  age range of the children.
• Achieving a balanced diet in line with the
  Caroline Walker Trust Guidelines.
• Using a high percentage of fresh and organic food
  where possible.
• To strive to cut out all additives and
  convenience food.
• To encourage children to enjoy the healthy food
  they eat.

www.southwark.gov.uk
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In practiceCurrent activities of Healthy Food
Steering Group

• Whole school approach to Healthy Schools,
  including
• Pilot projects from schools
• Project to engage community/school based catering
  consultants to support schools
• Closer working with local College (including
  Master Chef Award and work with parents)
• Healthy Food Intranet site (pupil friendly)
• Focus on healthy food in extended schools
• Developing links with local and reputable
  suppliers
• Awareness raising conferences and networking
  events

www.southwark.gov.uk
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What next?To include

• Supporting schools and their future catering
  arrangements
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of the
  Healthy Food agenda initiatives
• Disseminating best practice
• Healthy Food focus on all Local Authority staff

www.southwark.gov.uk
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A marrow on our plates soon!
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Key Local Authority contacts

• Janice Gibb
• School Business manager
• Charles Dickens School
• jgibb_at_charlesdickens.southwark.sch.uk
• Juliana Iwobi
• Healthy Food in Schools Project Leader
• jiwobi_at_public-private.co.uk

www.southwark.gov.uk