Julian, a highly respected industry expert, was full of praise for our family-style dining experience, describing it as:

Outstanding and a great example of what can be done to secure long-term customers! Not just that—the learning, life skills and enjoyment for the pupils is amazing.

His visit included a full inspection of our kitchen facilities, food preparation areas, and dining service. The audit highlighted:

• ✅ Beautifully presented food and salad displays
• ✅ Excellent allergen management and special diet systems
• ✅ A warm, hospitable team working seamlessly together
• ✅ Clean and well-maintained kitchen areas
• ✅ Accurate temperature records for safe food service

Our whole-school table service (Family Style Dining) was especially celebrated. Pupils help serve each other, collect puddings, and clear away using table caddies, developing independence, responsibility, and teamwork. The audit also noted our high uptake of school meals, including nursery and ARP pupils, and praised our stylish dining environment, complete with harvest-themed displays and infused water stations.

Julian will be sharing our success story with ISS, our caterers, at their next operations meeting, helping to inspire best practice across other schools.

We are incredibly proud of our kitchen team led by chef Zee, front-of-house lunchtime supervisors led by Jacqui, and all staff involved in making mealtimes a joyful, nourishing, and educational part of the school day.

👏 Well done, Fielding!

Clare Haines