Top of the class for school dinners

The council’s lunch service picked up the best education catering performer award at the recent Association of Public Service Excellence awards.

A judging panel considered criteria such as uptake of school meals, average spend and daily charge, as well as how many meals were produced per hour and the sustainability of ingredients.

The award also follows a number of new initiative introduced by the catering team, including a cashless catering service – which means that parents can pay online and pupils don’t have to carry money around.

Schools have also introduced a restaurant-style service, where tables are set with proper plates and cutlery, and bread and fruit are available to share on the table.

Councillor Elaine Green, convener of education and equalities, commented: “This is a terrific achievement by our school catering team and this recognition is very well deserved.

“We are delighted to receive this nationwide recognition and it is testament to the great commitment and effort shown by our staff”.

The catering team’s achievement was also recognised with a special ceremony during last week’s education committee meeting.