Great school services rely on great team work which is why training, development and bringing people together are such an important part of the way we work at Independents by Sodexo.
Recently, the catering and cleaning teams at Edinburgh Academy came together for a staff training and development day. It was a chance for members of the existing team to welcome new colleagues, get to know each other better and spend some time recognising the people who make such an important contribution to the school every day.
Learning together
The day included team-building activities as well as training on the standards that guide our work at Edinburgh Academy.
We covered areas which included food safety, health and safety, allergen awareness and hygiene where teams were given a chance to refresh their knowledge. We also discussed the practical side of maintaining high standards each day.
For new starters, it was also a chance to meet more of their colleagues and get a better understanding of the wider team they have joined.
Training is an important part of making sure people feel confident in their roles. It also gives colleagues the chance to share their own experience and learn from each other.
Bringing different teams together
Catering and cleaning are different services, but they have something important in common. Both teams help create a welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors.
At Independents by Sodexo being able to get everyone together helps build those connections. It also means people get to know colleagues they work alongside and understand how their roles fit into the school day.
Our work is about much more than the individual services we provide, it’s about being part of the school community, working alongside staff and leadership teams to support the day-to-day experience of pupils and everyone who is a part of the school.
More than school catering
Independents by Sodexo provides a range of services for independent schools, from catering and cleaning to digital solutions, sustainability and energy management, and design and project support.
Each school has its own way of working, so our approach is shaped around the individual school rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Our teams are a big part of making that work. Whether teams are preparing lunch, keeping the school clean and welcoming, supporting sustainability initiatives or helping with the wider running of the site, each one contributes to the complete school experience.
That’s also why investing in our people matters.
Recognising the people behind the service
Days like this are also a chance to recognise the people behind the service.
Everyone brings different experience and skills to their role, and taking time to celebrate that contribution helps create a stronger team. It is also a chance to welcome new colleagues properly and make sure they feel part of the team from the beginning.
At Edinburgh Academy, the day brought catering and cleaning colleagues together, while giving everyone time to learn, talk and enjoy working together outside the usual routine.
We are proud of the teams working across our independent school partnerships and of the contribution they make every day. By continuing to invest in their training and development, we give them the support they need to do their jobs well and provide the high standards our schools expect.