This September, two of the most significant changes proposed by the School Food Plan will come into effect. All infant pupils will receive free school meals; and practical cookery will be compulsory in the new national curriculum up to age 14. However, excellence does not come about by government decree. The policy changes offer a golden opportunity for great school leaders and imaginative cooks to lead a transformation of the food culture in their schools. Our job now is to give schools the inspiration and structural support they need to do this. That is why they are launching What Works Well.

What Works Well is a School Food Plan initiative www.schoolfoodplan.com which brings together the best ideas in school food. At the centre of this is an online hub for sharing what works well: www.schoolfoodplan.com/www

Developed with generous support from the Caterlink Foundation, this is a resource for schools and caterers, covering 5 areas:

1. The Food
2. Lunchtime Experience
3. Learning About Food
4. Making It Happen
5. Getting Everyone Involved

For schools preparing for universal infant free school meals, further help is available through a dedicated implementation support service, run by the Children’s Food Trust. You can call their free helpline at 0800 680 0080 or email [email protected]

The School Food Plan imagined a new golden age for school food. That dream is closer now than we could have hoped. It’s down to all of us to make it a reality. Share your story of what works well – email [email protected]