it acknowledges that the decline of the service is a result of public policy failure.  Its history is described from deregulation in the 1980s through compulsory competitive tendering to delegation of budgets and financial squeeze.  While talented staff, it says have continued to use their skill, the workforce as a whole, has declined with the service.  Between 1980 and 1983, 50,000 jobs were lost.  "Levels of part-time and casual employment have increased and pay and conditions of service have worsened under competitive pressures", states the report.

There are 35 recommendations for Government, schools and local authorities.  They include recommendation 11:

Schools and caterers should conduct a needs analysis (skills, equipment, preparation time) and train all relevant staff (including catering staff and midday supervisors) to ensure they are able to support pupils in making healthy choices".

The need for longer working hours and good training practice is accepted.  The new School Food Trust will be considering the development of training and ways to encourage employers to use it.  The report states that "For transformation in catering to happen both catering staff and managers need to feel and be a valued part of their  school communities.

Recommendation 12 says:

Catering staff need to central to the whole school approach.  Their practical skills should be valued and utilised to the full and they should be represented on groups like School Nutrition Action Groups.