Jacqui McPeake recently went to visit Swanmore College, to undertake the Allergen Accreditation Audit. Swanmore College is a State Maintained School providing education for Secondary School pupils up to 16-years of age. The college is located in Hampshire with around 1350 pupils at present. The college prides itself on being a Centre of Excellence.

The catering team are an in-house catering provider, and it is obvious that they take great pride in the food they offer. Janet Meir who has worked at Swanmore for 13 years is currently Acting Catering Manager. Janet completed all the necessary audit paperwork and was very happy to show me the kitchen food service areas. Janet and I discussed the menus, service and how the team manage food allergens.

There is an extensive menu offered including traditional meals, curries, roast dinners, meatballs, pasta and rice dishes and salads. Approximately 400-500 children regularly eat the school lunches and Fridays Fish & Chips are always a hit!  All main meals and deserts are made in the kitchen.

In addition to the main kitchen service point there are 3 additional external service points, the Cuboid, the Cube and Pasta King. The Cuboid, which has a picnic bench area outside is a grab and go service which offers a hot and cold snack menu. The Cube and Pasta King which are situated under an external covered dining area which has heating, so can be used throughout the year offers a hot snack menu.

The team all have pre-service briefs prior to lunch service so they are aware of ingredients and allergens. The information is printed out and readily available for all staff to check. All pupils have their dietary requirements stored in the EPOS Data System. When the food is purchased using the Biometric System the requirements are highlighted on the till for the staff to see.  The team know which children have food allergies and they have all had training. Communication is important and the team talk to the pupils on a daily basis. All staff must complete mandatory training in Food Safety and Food Allergens before serving pupils any lunch. The training system will automatically contact the staff members when refresher training is due.

The team are all enthusiastic and enjoy working together to provide and excellent food service for the school.

Congratulations to Janet and all the team at Swanmore Caterers!!