Interview with Sarah Plowman, School Catering Manager & Helen Vincent, School Business Manager at Whipton Barton Infant and Nursery School

“What blew me away … was that it is all about the children and ensuring they have a good, nutritious meal, because they know how that helps with learning, and this absolutely shines through.”

Everyone likes to talk and think about food. And for children it is an essential part of their school day, which Sarah Plowman and Helen Vincent particularly understand at Whipton Barton Infant and Nursery School.

​Working closely with our sponsor, Educatering, Sarah and Helen plan food that children want to eat and that is also healthy and nutritious for them, to sustain them during the school day so that they are fully alert and can focus on learning.

​We asked Sarah and Helen to share some insights into their school catering at Whipton Barton.  

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1. What are your main priorities when you are planning and serving the meals for the children?
Our primary focus is to ensure that children receive meals that are not only nutritious and balanced but also enjoyable. Collaborating with Educating allows us to create menus that meet nutritional standards while appealing to young tastes.

We continually assess and refine our termly menus, learning from feedback and observing children's preferences. This iterative process helps us fine-tune meal offerings to better align with their likes and dislikes.
Each menu is carefully crafted to provide a balanced diet, incorporating a variety of vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates daily. Our goal is to establish healthy eating habits that children can carry with them throughout their lives.
 
2. What are some of the challenges in getting meals for the children that are both good for them and that they want to eat?
One of the main challenges we face is introducing nutritious meals that children not only need to be grow and be healthy but also want to eat. To address this, we creatively incorporate vegetables into dishes in ways that are both appealing and enjoyable for the children.

For instance, our ABC cake - a delightful treat made with apples, butternut squash, and cabbage - has become a favourite. The secret ingredient, cinnamon, adds a touch of magic that makes it irresistible. Similarly, our Bolognese sauce and pizza toppings are enriched with blended carrots, onions, and other vegetables, seamlessly integrated into the mix.

We take a considered approach to naming some of our dishes. Our courgette chocolate cake, for example, is simply listed as 'chocolate cake' on the menu. This subtle presentation ensures that the children enjoy it without any preconceived notions.

Engaging with parents is also a key part of our strategy. During progress review evenings, we host taster sessions where families can sample the meals. Only after they've enjoyed the dishes do we reveal the healthy ingredients hidden within, often to their surprise and delight!
 
3. Can you tell us about an aspect of your food catering that works well?
One of our standout initiatives is the salad bar, which has become a huge success among the children. Initially, there was some hesitation - 'What is that?' - but once they realised they could choose exactly what they liked, it quickly gained popularity. The added bonus? They love the independence of serving themselves. 

Our salad bar is a vibrant, fresh offering. For example, our coleslaw - dubbed 'purple stuff' by the children - is a hit. It is also a clever way to repurpose leftovers like cold roast potatoes or sweetcorn, which are always finished by the end of the day.

We aim to introduce our children to new flavours they might not encounter at home, hoping they will ask, 'Mum, can we have this now?' This approach sometimes educates parents too. When children request a dish they have enjoyed at school, parents are more inclined to try it at home. To support this, Educatering have provided a cookbook featuring some of our recipes, like homemade pizzas, which we share with families.

The staff's enthusiasm for these meals is also a positive indicator. They appreciate the healthy, fresh food, and we take pride in providing meals that nourish both children and staff alike.
 
4. Have you seen a reduction in food waste?
Yes, we have seen a significant reduction in food waste, thanks to our partnership with Educatering.
Their thoughtfully designed recipes provide precise portion sizes, helping us serve the right amounts and minimise leftovers.

Previously, managing allergens was a major concern when our catering was in-house. With Educatering's support, we have clear allergen information and compliance measures in place, giving us confidence that all dietary needs are met.

5. What is the favourite school meal for the children and staff at Whipton Barton?
Would you believe that halloumi dishes and five-bean chilli are among the top picks? Brunch is also a big hit, with classics like bacon, sausage, hash browns, and baked beans flying off the plates. Curry is another popular choice, adding a bit of spice to the weekly menu.

​One of the standout items is our freshly baked focaccia, flavoured with mixed herbs and garlic. We bake all our own bread on site, including the bases for our pizzas. Through this, we are helping children develop a love for both subtle and bold flavours - food education that’s both tasty and meaningful.

When I first attended the tender day before partnering with Educatering, I was genuinely blown away. From the very beginning, their focus was on the children - on ensuring every child receives a nutritious, balanced meal to support their learning and wellbeing. That ethos shines through in everything they do. They have gone beyond the kitchen too, leading pizza-making workshops and speaking at parents’ evenings. Their mission is not about profit - it is about making a real difference and helping children across the UK eat well.

We thank Helen and Sarah for sharing their enthusiasm for healthy school dinners at Whipton Barton. 

find out more about educatering here