To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress has been made in developing vocational catering qualifications for school canteen staff; and if he will make a statement. (102293)

In September 2005 we introduced a new vocationally related qualification at level 1 ‘Providing a Healthier School Meals service’ for school caterers. We have added units at level 2 and 3 to the Support Work in School qualification which school catering staff can opt to take. In addition, a £2 million network of regional training schools for school catering staff are being set up to act as Centres of Excellence.