Schools in North Yorkshire have been recognised nationally for offering the healthiest and most nutritious meals in the country.
North Yorkshire Council’s catering team has won a national award for delivering the best choice of meals to schools in the region.
They beat fierce competition from other local authorities’ catering services to be crowned the best service team title at the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) annual charity awards dinner held this month (September).
The APSE awards recognise the very best in public services and this year’s awards received hundreds of nominations from across the UK.
Judges were impressed by North Yorkshire Council’s clear strategy and business plans, leadership, vision, the ability to consistently meet or even exceed customer expectations and future ambitions.
The authority’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:
“Huge congratulations to every member of our catering team.
"This national triumph reflects how our valued frontline North Yorkshire Council staff go above and beyond to deliver customer service excellence in what can be a very challenging operational environment.”
The council’s corporate director of resources, Gary Fielding, also praised the work of the team, which has won a series of awards during the past year.
Mr Fielding added:
“This award is well-deserved. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of officers who have demonstrated a true understanding of the needs of schoolchildren by providing meals that are not only are delicious and nutritional, but visually appealing too.
"Congratulations to the team.”
The council’s catering team has achieved a remarkable turnaround within the last 12 months.
Facing spiralling costs and a trading deficit, the service has delivered a strategy involving frontline kitchen staff, schools, parents, carers, and children delivering increased meal uptake and customer satisfaction levels.
They serve more than 220 schools not just within the North Yorkshire Council area, but across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region and the Teesside area too.
The chief executive of APSE, Mo Baines, said:
“Across local government, there are a multitude of people working to deliver the very best for their local communities.
"At a time when national politics is dominating the headlines, it is more vital than ever that we acknowledge the dedication of our frontline service teams and the positive impact they have on their communities.”
Farming YouTuber set to drive for Your Harrogate in the Knaresborough Tractor Run
Harrogate Ladies College unveils branding for new Duchy College
Organisation pledges £45,000 to support mental health at King James's School
Harrogate couple who met at school to celebrate 63rd Valentine's Day
Knaresborough primary school's sponsored walk raises £1,300 for charity
Knaresborough brewery owners to sell after nine years
Yorkshire participants need for Channel 4's The Dog House
Multiple arrests made as police intensify patrols in Harrogate
Police appeal after man hit by bus in Harrogate
New outpatient therapy unit opens at Harrogate Hospital
Love is in the air for Harrogate hospitality
Harrogate law firm supports cancer centre in memory of late colleague
Harrogate's Over & Above ranked among UK's top cocktail bars
Harrogate pupil's pyjama day raises over £1,100 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
£8,000 donation to fund nurse training at Harrogate Hospital charity
Number Thirteen café up for sale after eight years
Harrogate crowned the UK's most relaxing town
Lightwater Valley gives sneak peek at new rollercoaster
Harrogate chef appears on BBC's Masterchef
Harrogate restaurant recognised at Nation's Curry Awards
