Penwortham Priory Academy in Lancashire is improving food quality, kitchen efficiency and working conditions after investing in Rational iCombi Pro and iVario cooking systems, helping its catering team prepare nutritious meals for around 750 students every day.
The academy places a strong focus on healthy eating, recognising the impact good nutrition can have on learning and wellbeing. As Assistant Principal Kate Thornton explains,"If they're not well-fed, they're not going to work well in lessons. You're going to be concentrating on the fact that you're hungry."
After replacing ageing gas appliances with three iCombi Pro units, the catering team saw immediate benefits."Before we got the Rational equipment, it was always last-minute making sure everything was cooked on time," says Catering Manager Kirsten Billings."Now we're moving into the 21st century with the food." She also highlights the improved consistency and quality of the meals produced by the iCombi Pro.
Following the success of the ovens, the school introduced an iVario. Replacing a traditional hob system, it has reduced manual supervision and significantly improved efficiency."One of us would have to man the stove for at least four hours to get the food prepared. It's just not time efficient. So having the iVario has been a complete game changer," says Billings.
Strategic Estates Development Manager Keith Bolton says the technology gives staff more time to focus on creating varied and interesting meals, adding that schools should consider Rational equipment once they see how easy it is to use.
Want to see the iCombi Pro and iVario in action? Join one of RATIONAL's free live demonstrations: www.rational-online.com/en_gb/see-for-yourself/rational-live-events/
