FOOD EDUCATION MAPPING PROJECT
OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND
“It’s Time to Take Food Education Seriously” (National Food Strategy, 2021)
Best Food Forward established the Food Education Mapping Project (FEMP) in July 2023. The objective has been to gain a greater understanding of how food education is being delivered in secondary schools in England and the impact of learning about food on young people.
The researchers have visited over 25 secondary schools of different types and sizes across England. During these visits, the researchers have mapped the delivery of food education including:
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Staffing (i.e. number of teachers, technician support)
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Facilities and equipment (i.e. students per class and how ingredients are supplied)
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System for food learning (i.e. rotational or whole year at KS3)
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Cross curricular & wider food learning (i.e. links to other subjects, clubs, activities and school meal provision)
In addition, they have conducted rich qualitative interviews within the schools to understand the features and the enabling factors for a child-centred, whole-school approach to food education.
These have included:
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Food Teachers
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Students
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Senior Leadership Team
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PSHE Teachers
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And other school personnel, i.e. canteen staff.
JAKE BARWOOD
Joint Strategic Lead for Mapping Secondary School Food Education
Part of the wider Best Food Forward team.
"Our mapping research is crucial in gaining a greater understanding of the food education landscape and how secondary schools are delivering their food education, how food education connects to other parts of the curriculum and wider school experience. I believe in the importance of food education and the impact that it can have on young people’s life outcomes and that’s why we’re trying to shine some light on this area."
"During the teenage years, young people develop the skills and habits that support their future wellbeing and attainment. Secondary school is a fantastic time to provide food education in a safe space that builds on their natural curiosity and desire to learn alongside their peers. Cooking meals, eating together, learning how to budget and shop, and how our everyday decisions impact on the environment can all support their journeys to independence."
ROSINA BORRELLI
Joint Strategic Lead for Mapping Secondary School Food Education
Part of the wider Best Food Forward team.
Food is part of the National Curriculum from KS1-KS3 (up to 14 years old) but not all students have access to it.
Since the removal of the Food A Level in 2017, food learning pathways have been limited.
Whole-school approaches are complex to establish and involve multiple stakeholders. Do we need a head of food in each school to support this?
The food sector is the largest employer in the UK.
