A couple of weeks ago we heard that Cowes Primary School were holding a healthy eating conference and farmers market, so went along to find out more.
Having not visited the school before, we had no idea what to expect but were impressed with what we saw. This was certainly reinforced after sitting down and chatting with headteacher, Caroline Sice (pictured right and podcast below).
The farmers market followed a conference (organised by Taste of the Wight) that had taken place at the school earlier in the day and featured an array of local Island producers and suppliers.
Hay bales being used as seating were scattered around the playground, as eager visitors and children enjoyed freshly made burgers and grilled asparagus by none other than Jose Graziosi, head chef from The George Hotel in Yarmouth.
Independent School Dinners
Caroline told us that Cowes Primary School have opted out of the Pabulum school catering service that most schools on the Island subscribe to.
The decision was steered by her unease with companies making profits out of providing services such as school dinners.
She said us that she was determined for the children in her care to experience really good, locally-grown food which they could play a part in producing as well.
The school has its own independent chef, Nicola Ibbertson, who creates her own menus with locally sourced (organic if they can) produce. She makes all her own breads, yoghurts, soups and jellies.
Positive Results
The switch from Pabulum has over the last year increased the number of children having schools dinners from 80 to 160! Quite an achievement.
The restaurant (they prefer to call it this rather than canteen), which uses china plates as opposed to the plastic TV meal style trays, welcomes parents to join their children at lunchtime – making the experience much more personal for everyone.
Allotments at school
The children also play a part in growing their own produce which is used in the kitchen, as well as tending a chicken garden (the contents of which ended up in lunchtime sandwiches).
It’s not surprising after hearing all of this that Cowes Primary is a flagship school for the ‘food for life’ partnership. Now in their second year, Caroline tells us that the partnership has given focus to their direction, enabling them to sustain and develop their goals.
Anyway, Caroline has much more to say, so why not take a listen ….
[audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/caroline-sice-cowes-primary.mp3]
Image: Julian Winslow
