Fill Up at the Filling Station

report by Andrew Lord

The old-fashioned canteens have been replaced with modern ’fast food’ style restaurants with state of the art kitchens to match.

Robbie Bannister, Business Manager for Contract Services in Huyton, told us where the idea for the Filling Stations came from. “We canvassed parents, children, governors and councillors to find out what they felt was required. The Schools’ Council was also involved right from the beginning.”

The first Filling Stations were opened in September 1999 at Bowring and Halewood schools. More recently Filling Stations have opened in Prescot, Higherside and Knowsley Hey schools. Mr Bannister told Huyton Today, “I’m happy about the way things have gone. Problems that have arisen have been dealt with as they occurred”.

But why was change needed? According to Mr Bannister school services were outdated and the children wanted new food and facilities. One big change has been the introduction of music with staff and pupils able to choose the type of tapes they want to hear.

We interviewed one of our favourite dinner ladies, Ena Jones, from Knowsley Hey Filling Station. We asked Mrs Jones whether she thought working conditions are better now for staff. She told us, “Yes. There’s a lot more space for the staff to work in. There are also more places for the staff to rest and relax at breaks.”

She felt that the money had been well spent on the refurbishment, décor, packaging and lots more. “We knew exactly what to do because when we asked parents, children and head teachers they all voted for the Filling Station.”

Overall this project has cost between £30,000 - £36,000 in each school. Mr Bannister told us it has been worth it as now over 40% more children use the Filling Stations every day.

Mrs Peggy Rowe, Headteacher at Bowring Comprehensive told Huyton Today, “We have been extremely pleased with its impact on the quality of provision for our students at lunchtime. The environment of both the dining room and the snack bar/common room are significantly improved and students have really appreciated the up to date décor, improved furniture, much quicker queuing and service the food offered. A significant factor in the success of the Filling Station has been the enthusiasm and commitment of the kitchen staff. They are both efficient in their service and imaginative in introducing special displays and activities which enhance the atmosphere.”

Caroline Owens, a Year 8 pupil at Bowring said “It’s really good. The food tastes great and the music makes dinnertime more fun.”

James Halewood, a Year 7 pupil at Bowring said, “I love the milkshakes. They taste just like the McDonalds ones.”

It seems that the Filling Stations have brought Knowsley Schools into the 21^st Century when it comes to a great dining experience!