From September 2007, school meals in Islington will get a makeover worthy of Jamie Oliver. <br><br>A report going to Islington Council's Executive Committee on Tuesday 17 April will recommend Cater Link to take on a completely revamped school meals contract, from September this year. Cater Link is a well-respected company, chosen following a competitive and thorough selection process. <br><br>Cllr James Kempton, the Leader of Islington Council, said: "Healthy, enjoyable school meals matter -- which is why we've dramatically increased the number of Healthy Schools in the borough. But the best is yet to come for school meals in Islington.<br><br>"We were made to listen hard when parents, pupils and schools told us that school meals needed to improve. And we have really taken on board their views. Schools and parents were involved from start to finish in the selection of a new school meals company and they agreed with us that Cater Link would deliver the high standard parents and children want. They use locally sourced fresh food to create varied, healthy and enjoyable meals. This really is a fresh start for school meals in Islington." <br><br>Cater Link was founded in 1993, and now provides school meals for over 200 schools, mainly in the South East. Tony McKenna, who founded the company and still runs it, said: "We're delighted to have been chosen to work with Islington Council. The selection process was very thorough, and it was clear to us from the beginning that Islington values quality -- making the council and Cater Link ideal partners."<br><br>Catering companies bidding for the new contract had to meet strict selection criteria laid down by the council. The standards for the new contract were discussed with schools, parents, governors and health advisors and their views have helped shape the council's partnership with Cater Link.<br><br>The evaluation panel, which considered the bids from catering companies, were particularly impressed with several key features of Cater Link's proposal, including:<br>· 90 per cent of all food will be fresh (against a government target of 70 per cent)<br>· The menu will be repeated only once every six weeks<br>· Menus will vary seasonally<br>· Training for catering staff is robust<br><br>The panel was made up of five members: an Islington head teacher, a dietary specialist from the Primary Care Trust, a parent from the School Meals Matter in Islington group, and two council children's services staff. <br><br>Ends<br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009