Judges in Scotland’s first ever school food awards have dished up plenty of praise for catering staff at Barrhead High.
The school won the Foodservice Team of the Year prize for its efforts to keep children well fed.
Almost 60% of pupils at Barrhead High take school meals, which is well ahead of the national average of 42%.
Meanwhile, the school’s catering manager June Comrie was highly commended in the Employee of the Year category as a reward for her dedication.
Barrhead High was one of the first schools in Scotland to provide breakfast packs.
In addition, the catering team works with pupils to experiment with new menus, carries out food surveys and prides itself on meeting special requests.
Lindsey Potter, deputy headteacher at Barrhead High, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the catering staff have won this accolade. To be recognised as Foodservice Team of the Year is an amazing achievement.
“They are absolutely passionate about what they do, going above and beyond to meet the pupils’ needs. They often come in early to try out new recipes and the kids enjoy testing the meals.
“They were approached by the University of the West of Scotland to take part in a Breakfast Cart pilot scheme and they jumped at the chance to do it.
“It’s free for all pupils, serving fresh fruit, cereal, toast and water to over 100 children every morning in a sociable environment.
“One of our teaching assistants helps them out each morning too, as the staff appreciate the importance of ensuring the children receive a decent meal.
“It’s been so successful that they have carried the scheme on, even after the trial finished, fundraising to keep it going.
“They even received a mention in the Scottish Parliament for their efforts.”
The school is also introducing hot snacks after lessons at its supported study club to help make sure pupils are eating properly.
Ms Potter added: “Our staff are local and know the pupils. They understand the needs of the local community and care about the children.”
The inaugural Scottish School Food Awards, run in partnership with Swiss Education Group and Yummy Jobs, were open to independent and local authority schools, in addition to nurseries, music schools, early learning centres and contract caterers.
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