Professional Development for Quality Teaching

An innovative programme that combines healthy school meals and environmental awareness education has blossomed in a Gloucestershire special needs school.

When cook Pat Kendall started working at New Siblands, a special needs school, in South Gloucestershire, she was delighted to learn the administration wanted her to serve organic food. The school buys all produce locally, but Pat plans to turn the caretaker's flower plot into a market garden, with a little help from the Thornbury Horticultural Society. Not only will produce from her garden fill the school dinner pot, but pupils will be guided through the plot on field trips to learn about plant growth, complementing their lessons.

Key points:

• The school menu is adapted to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom - for Victorian Day, students tucked in to gruel!
• On her limited budget, Pat's scheme manages to both use more organic produce and serve less junk food
• Students participate in food preparation to gear up for careers in catering