Fom September 2014 all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in England will receive free school meals.
The Craft Guild of Chefs is attending a series of nine one-day Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) regional roadshows (April, May and June) to offer culinary tips, advice and expertise to head teachers and school caterers. These roadshows will bring together more than 10 expert speakers and suppliers preparing for the delivery of UIFSM from September 2014.
The roadshows are free to attend for head teachers and will take place in nine locations across the country. The first three events have taken place. During the day delegates were encouraged to discuss their concerns, experiences and successes as they prepare for September. Caterers, cooks and partners from across the industry were keen to share their experiences and best practice. The structure of the day certainly supported the air of collaboration and sharing excellence that has been evident among everyone involved in preparing for UIFSM.
Upcoming dates and venues include
· 14th May - West Midlands - Walsall FC Ltd
· 15th May - North West - Chester Racecourse
· 20th May - East of England - Ipswich Town Football Club
· 23rd May - London - Twickenham Stoop Stadium
· 5th June - East Midlands - Notts County Football Club
· 6th June - Yorkshire & Humberside - Leeds United Football Club
Led by The Children's Food Trust and LACA, the Craft Guild of Chefs join the line up of industry experts presenting including Elygra, FCSI, Food for Life Partnership and Dewberry Redpoint, and supported by PKL and Cool Milk. The Director of the School Food Plan will also be presenting at the events.
Linda Cregan, Chief Executive of the Children's Food Trust is keen for anyone involved in the delivery of UIFSM to attend one of the events, "these roadshows are the perfect opportunity for head teachers, caterers and local authority catering staff to learn more about the services and support available to them and talk face to face with the best people in the industry. I would really encourage them to sign up for one of these free events."
There will also be a further 20 suppliers exhibiting at each event offering advice and support including 3663, Brakes, Bio Store, Calypso, Contract Furniture Specialists, Cunningham EPOS Solutions, Electrolux, ESPO, Green Gourmet, Harfield, Mars Foodservices, Manitowoc Foodservice, Nisbets, Nationwide Retail Systems, Parent Pay, Pasta King, Premier Foods, Rational, SICO Europe and Thermobox UK.
Each event offers delegates the opportunity to learn from industry experts, gather advice and information from suppliers and network with their peer group.
The culinary advice and expertise from the Craft Guild of Chefs presented at each event will be supported by online fact sheets available from early May. The advice will include managing additional numbers, equipment recommendations and advice, time and space management and simple culinary tips.
For more on the roadshows or to book a place visit www.uifsm-roadshows.co.uk For more on the Craft Guild of Chefs, visit www.craftguildofchefs.org and follow the Guild on Twitter @Craft_Guild.
Schools, local authorities and caterers can also get support and information by calling the national advice line on 0800 680 0080 or visiting www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/schoolfoodplan/uifsm.
