Schools have recipe for success

SCHOOLS in Rochdale got a bite of success when they were commended for their commitment to providing healthy food for students.

Ten primary schools in the borough achieved the top rating for catering at the Greater Manchester Healthy Catering Awards.

The ‘excellence’ award indicates they are leading the way in offering a range of food and drinks low in saturated fat, trans fats, sugar and salt.

They also offer a portion of fruit or vegetables every day, and promote healthier options.

The schools that received the awards are St Gabriel’s and Alkrington Primary in Middleton; St Peter’s, Healey Primary, Belfield Community School, Ashfield Valley Primary, Brownhill School and Lowerplace Primary in Rochdale; Moorhouse Primary in Milnrow and Harwood Park County Primary in Heywood.

Catering teams and headteachers attended an awards ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall.

Aelred Whelan, headteacher at St Peter’s, said: “The health, wellbeing and safety of our pupils is something we take extremely seriously so I am pleased to say we are providing them with not only healthy food to keep them well now, but important lifestyle advice that they can take with them throughout their lives.

“We’ve noticed our children are much more energetic, enthused and eager to learn – it’s amazing what less sugar and more fruit or vegetables can do.”