Manchester City Council's catering arm, Manchester Fayre, is delighted to announce it has been successful in becoming a member of the School FEAST (Food Excellence And Skills Training) network.

Manchester Fayre will work with its partners, Manchester Metropolitan University, Accrington and Rossendale College and Manchester Primary Care Trust to support to all those involved in improving school meals, including school cooks, kitchen assistants, lunchtime supervisors, teachers, bursars and employers.

As a member of the School FEAST network the partnership is required to provide a core offer of qualifications:

o    VRQ Level 1 Award in Providing a Healthier School Meals Service

o     Support Work in Schools Level 2

o     Support Work in Schools Level 3

o    NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery

o    NVQ Level 2 Food Processing and Cooking

The partnership will also provide additional training and qualifications that have been designed to meet the specific needs of their learners.

Acting Head of Manchester Fayre, Krys Zasada, said: "This partnership will build on the work Manchester Fayre are already doing. We continually strive to improve catering in schools through a number of initiatives."

Councillor Bernard Priest Executive Member for School Meals, said: "This looks set to offer our catering staff first class training and that, in turn, will improve nutritional standards in school meals. Manchester is always at the forefront of developments in catering and I am delighted we are part of FEAST."

Judy Hargadon, Chief Executive of The Trust said: "I am delighted to announce the School FEAST network and congratulate Manchester Fayre and its partners. School food has a deserved importance to the health and well being of hundreds and thousands of children and young people. It is only right that we equip school cooks and those involved in school food with the skills and training they require."

Ends