To help schools and caterers to identify an appropriate nutritional analysis support package for their needs and how to access the practical support they require, the Trust commissioned an independent review in May 2008 to assess the different types of nutritional analysis support packages currently available.
There are many challenges for schools and their caterers as they introduce food provision in schools that meet the Government’s final food-based and nutrient-based standards for school lunches. Key amongst them is the need to provide clear evidence that the food-based and nutrient-based standards are being met.
Not all local authorities, schools and caterers have access to the necessary software, personnel and support services needed to assess compliance of their school catering provision with the standards. Schools and caterers may therefore need to identify an appropriate nutritional analysis support package for their needs and gain access to the practical support that they require.
The purpose of this guide is to help schools and caterers to determine the type of nutritional analysis support that they require and how this can be accessed. The guide and the chart will be particularly useful for head teachers, governors and school catering managers providing catering in-house or using a small private caterer.
The Trust guide to Nutritional Analysis Support Packages includes:
- A review of the professional, technical and nutritional analysis support services available
- A description of nine different models of nutritional analysis support, seven of which are illustrated with case studies
- A supplemental pullout chart is also available. This lists companies providing nutritional analysis support packages and includes the key characteristics of their respective support packages.
- Guidance on the person specification of staff providing expert support
