Dining in at last at Clore Shalom

Children at Clore Shalom Primary in Herts will be able to enjoy hot kosher lunches thanks to the opening of its first kitchen, 11 years after the school's establishment. Until now, pupils have had to bring in vegetarian packed lunches.

JC food editor Victoria Prever cut the ribbon at a special assembly with parents and pupils described by head Sheree Oxenham as "a celebration of the importance of food in Jewish culture".

This was followed by a taster evening offering samples from the new menus, including mini falafel and shwarma, sweet and sour chicken, salads and chocolate brownies.

Clore Shalom finance officer Caron Plein said construction work was carried out over the summer holidays.

"It was very stressful, but you rarely get an opportunity to make such a big change and have such an impact. I think it can only be of benefit to the pupils. It is a Grade II listed building so it took a lot of creative architectural planning. I think they have done a fantastic job."

Hot lunches will soon be available for younger pupils and older students will be able to buy their lunch from the kitchen from the end of November.

To pay for the kitchen, Clore Shalom received a grant of £40,000 from Hertfordshire County Council. It applied for further grants to cover the remainder.