Monmouthshire County Council are working with Chefs in Schools to deliver bespoke training for our school caterers.

The project aims to encourage and increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables among primary school children.

Chefs in Schools supports the professional development of catering staff within educational settings, by boosting confidence, refreshing core skills and promoting a positive school food culture.

The programme will be delivered over 10 weeks to a cohort of 10 participants, making use of both in-person sessions and online learning.

Participants will be trained to apply the School Food Regulations effectively within school catering environments. They will develop craft skills to reduce food waste, increase vegetable usage and implement nutritious recipes. The training will deepen their understanding of nutrition and its impact on children’s health.

They will learn methods to engage pupils in food education through interactive and creative displays. Culinary skills will be enhanced through improved cooking techniques, plating, and presentation. 

Training will also focus on strengthening kitchen teams and fostering a positive food culture.

Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism, Sara Burch, said: “All primary school children in Monmouthshire are entitled to a free school meal, however, not every child takes up the offer.

“We want to attract all children to eat a school meal. We want to reduce plate waste by enabling children to have the confidence to eat all of the meal, vegetables included.

“We’re on a mission to expand tastebuds and build food confidence. School cooks are important members of the education team, giving children in Monmouthshire the best start in life.”

The training programme is running alongside Chwedlau Bwyd, a creative food education programme that combines storytelling, cooking and sensory food exploration to help children build confidence with food and support uptake of free school meals in Monmouthshire.

It also coincides with MCC’s continued involvement in the Welsh Veg in Schools project.

Apples are new to the WVIS project this year and MCC are trialling the supply of apples from an organic orchard, Welsh Farmhouse.

For more information about Chefs in Schools, visit chefsinschools.org.uk/support/training/