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Each School FEAST centre and partnership provides a 'core offer' of qualifications. These are listed below, where you will also find introductory information about apprenticeships.
The core offer was developed by the School Food Trust and its partners: People 1st, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Training and Development Agency, the Food Standards Agency, the Learning and Skills Council and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
The core offer represents only some of the qualifications and training available to through School FEAST. Other training opportunities develop in response to pre-training assessments and in partnership with employers. In this way, an individualised learning programme is devised to suit each learner.
To find out more about additional training opportunities, see the courses section of this website.
Level 1 VRQ – Award in Providing a Healthier School Meals Service
Designed specifically for all those involved in the preparation and service of school meals, this course will boost your confidence and improve your ability to deliver healthier school meals. You will learn:
- how to provide a range of healthier schools meals, and
- why healthy meals are important to the development and health of children and young people.
You will need to produce a portfolio (which will take about six hours to complete) and this will be used to assess your skills and knowledge.
The VRQ course materials have been updated to correspond with the nutrient-based standards in schools and provide a greater focus on promoting school meals. To order copies of the amended course documents, please email Emma.Melhuish@sft.gsi.gov.uk
SWiS (Support Work in Schools)
SWiS qualifications are suitable for all school support staff, whether you work in or outside the classroom. They are flexible – so you can take them when you are ready, as well as tailored to meet specific development needs.
You can access SWiS at two levels: Level 2 for an award and certificate or Level 3 for an award, certificate and diploma.
Level 2 has been designed to build on existing skills and experience while Level 3 is aimed at staff with a higher level of responsibility and/or independence in their workplace. This level will also appeal to anyone who is new to working in a school environment, but who already holds qualifications or expertise in a particular area, such as catering.
The SWiS programme provides a stepping stone to specialist qualifications like National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). To find out more visit www.tda.gov.uk/SWiS
Level 2 NVQ in Professional Cookery
This qualification has been designed for individuals with no formal qualifications in catering. Whether you are employed or looking for work in this field, Level 2 NVQ in Professional Cookery is a nationally recognised qualification. The course takes about two years and involves five mandatory units in the first year followed by seven option units in the second year. Assessments are made through observation and a portfolio of evidence. Some oral testing will also be used to assess competence.
Level 2 NVQ in Food Processing and Cooking
This qualification is aimed at people who work in leisure and tourism, catering, hotel and hospitality. It must be completed within your place of work. As well as receiving the relevant information and materials you will be allocated an assessor for personal tutorial support (arranged at your convenience). There is a personal assessment element to this course, which is achieved through observation and discussion. You might feel happier pursuing a more informal course or qualification. Individual School FEAST centres and partnerships may offer this option too as another route to helping people gain more experience. To find out more click on our Course Finder
