FOOD SAFETY LEVEL 2 CATERING training

 

For some years FVAF has been involved in the provision of Food Safety training and accreditation for volunteers and paid staff in the voluntary sector. Originally working in partnership with Hartpury College FVAF now have their own fully accredited trainer and work in partnership with Ensors Gloucestershire who are a registered centre for this work. From early in 2007 the work has been funded by British Nuclear Group - Oldbury (Socio- Economic programme) and supported by Ensors Gloucestershire. We are most grateful to both our main supporters.

 

Between April 2007and March 2008 a total of 10 courses have been delivered covering many areas of the Forest of Dean from Sedbury to Newent and many points in between. More courses are planned for later in 2008 – contact FVAF for more details.

 

Of the 181 students that have attended the training and taken the exam 176 have passed and just 5 have been unsuccessful. Some of those who have not succeeded were in an age group that had left school early and others had a learning disability. In either case the levels of literacy skills were minimal yet knowing this they had still attended the course. This was a courageous and creditable act and even though the standard had not been attained FVAF always issues a certificate recognising their contribution to the days programme.

 

140 were volunteers had attended the training along with 41 paid staff. The paid staff were predominantly from playgroups but also from youth groups, meals services and adult and children support services. The employers paid a nominal £10 to cover the cost of the exam paper and certificate. The programme had enabled them to achieve the qualification they needed at an affordable level.

 

Some 58 voluntary groups have been represented at the training. Many of the groups would have been unlikely to have accessed the training elsewhere. The range of groups have represented a wide range of groups including toddler groups, play groups, Parent teacher Associations, Brownies, Scouts, Cubs and Guides, Church groups, Young Farmers, Village Hall committees and Lunch club providers.

 

There have also been a range of “unplanned” benefits.

 

• For many the qualification is the first formal certificate they had  achieved. Confidence of individuals and teams has been boosted

 

• Groups have accessed other support e.g. funding information  and policy development. This has helped them become more sustainable. The fund raising done by these groups makes a considerable difference to the economy and quality of life within their community.

 

• Networking between groups from an area has resulted in collaborative working within specific communities. This enhances community cohesion.

 

• A strong working relationship has developed between FVAF and the Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) of the Forest of Dean District Council. They have helped with slides on the power point presentation and FVAF has encouraged the registration of the premises trainees work in with the EHOs.

 

 

Overall the training has been very successful in terms of numbers of courses, groups and attendees, geographic areas covered, adaptation of working practices and, we hope, further improvement in food safety across the district.

 

Each course is evaluated and this shows that students have found it useful, enjoyable and well presented. Full details of the evaluation are available. For sure there has been a lot of information sharing and laughter!