School chef gets to the LACA School Chef of the Year final 2020

One of Sefton’s very own school chefs has cooked up a storm, making it to the final of School Chef of the Year 2020, organised by LACA – The School Food People.

The prestigious LACA award gives an excellent opportunity to recognise the talents of school chefs and promotes the amazing skills that lie within education catering.

Holly Charnock from Woodlands Primary School, Formby, clinched the North West crown after preparing four portions of a main course and a dessert suitable for 11-year-olds in school, all in 90 minutes!

At Woodlands, Holly prepares school meals for up to 250 pupils, who not only look forward to her delicious food but the enthusiastic reception they get from Holly and her wonderful team.

Holly now goes on to compete against nine other regional champions plus two wildcard competitors at the National Final to be held on March 5 in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

On receiving the good news Holly said: “I am proud and very excited about reaching the national finals.

“The competition is a great opportunity to showcase what we, as school cooks, can do and more, so I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete alongside such talented competitors.

“My school, Woodlands Primary have been extremely supportive, and the teachers and children have enjoyed being judges and chief tasters for me during my many practice sessions”.

Keith Williams, headteacher at Woodlands Primary School said: “Holly is an integral part of the school team. As well as being in charge of the school kitchen she also manages cooking classes, cooking with the produce grown by our eco club and organises parents to ‘Come Dine with me’ events.

“We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated chef preparing our school lunches for our children and staff. All of the staff and pupils from Woodlands Primary School, wish Holly the best of luck”.