The Grove, Totnes

Students were tired and less receptive after lunch. Food wasn’t sourced with sustainability or seasonality in mind. Costs were rising significantly. Children’s taste palates were unadventurous and food waste was high. Headteacher Hilary Priest knew her kitchen team had the passion to serve great food, but they need support. Hilary contacted charity Chefs in Schools.

Senior chef trainer Nerissa visited to work out what support was needed. The school and charity worked together to recruit Marco as Head Chef Educator. Marco wanted to make a difference and had bags of experience – he’s worked in renowned restaurants and cooked for the Queen. Nerissa passed on expertise about child nutrition, food education, the School Food Standards and kitchen skills to the team. Nerissa & Marco designed and tested new menus and sourced local produce. Food education became part of lunch as Marco chats with children about ingredients.

Children are now eager to try a variety of foods. School meal uptake is higher. Costs remain unchanged. Veg and herbs are grown onsite. Children know more about where food comes from and after lunch they’re energised and ready to learn. The Grove has now won a national award for their incredible food.