Tasty food in a brilliant dining area – that’s the verdict from pupils at Ramsgate Arts Primary which has opened its new kitchen.
The kitchen, with the latest catering facilities, is serving more than 120 midday meals each day, offering children balanced nutritious food to suit all tastes, as well as catering for those with special dietary needs and requirements.
Head cook Laura Connor and assistant cook Jax were joined on the launch day of the new facility by Maria Bolder, area manager for Principals catering, which runs the service.
Rigorous safety and hygiene standards are maintained across the board and hot food is temperature probe tested to ensure it is perfect, with an information log kept every day.
The spotless stainless steel kitchen and serving area are one of the last parts of the school to be unveiled since the school opened last September.
Among the pupils tucking into their dinner in the new dining area were George and Jamie from Year 5.
George said: “It is amazing – the best”, while Jamie agreed and added: “The food is so tasty and there is a lot of choice. It is miles better than eating in a classroom with tiny chairs. I love this and can’t wait for tomorrow ‘s lunch.”
Head of School Nick Budge said: “It has taken a little longer than planned but is well worth the wait. It is a fabulous facility and the range of food available is terrific from hot meals and vegetables to salads, puddings to fresh fruit.
“A healthy midday meal is something that is very important for our children, and we ensure that they get good wholesome food with a decent choice.
“Our kitchen team is great and the midday meals supervisors (pictured) ensure it all runs smoothly. We are backed with the knowledge that Principals is a well-established first class schools catering service.”
The lunchtime menus are on a three-week rotation and typical meals on offer include vegetarian rainbow pizza, baked potatoes, beans and salad; ice cream; frozen mousse; jerk style chicken jambalaya, rice, peas and broccoli; roast dinners; vegetable omelette; fish and chips; apple pie and custard; mild curry; vegetable hotpot; chocolate sponge and sauce.