Choosing a School Caterer: Risk, Compliance & SWMS

When organising catering for schools, it’s not just about great food — it’s about safety, compliance, and risk management.

Schools have a duty of care to students, staff, and visitors. That’s why it’s essential to work with a caterer who follows proper procedures, including Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and structured risk management systems.

⚠️ Why SWMS Matters

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) outlines how work is carried out safely, especially when cooking on-site.

For school catering, this includes:

• Food safety and hygiene

• Safe equipment setup

• Managing heat, gas, and cooking risks

• Working safely around students and staff

A professional caterer should always have clear SWMS documentation for each event.

🛡️ Managing Risk in Schools

School environments are unique:

• Large groups of students

• Allergy and dietary requirements

• Busy, high-traffic areas

A compliant caterer will:

• Conduct site-specific risk assessments

• Set up safe cooking zones

• Manage queues and movement

• Ensure staff are trained and aware of procedures

🧾 What Schools Should Expect

Before booking, ensure your caterer provides:

• Public liability insurance

• Food safety certification

• SWMS and risk documentation

• Working With Children compliance (where required)

• Clear dietary management processes

🍽️ Working with a Compliant Caterer

At Flying Woks, we take compliance seriously. We are registered with:

• LinkSafe

• SAM4Schools

• Avetta 

This ensures our systems, safety procedures, and documentation meet recognised industry standards.

We manage risk on-site, provide detailed SWMS, and deliver catering that is both safe and seamless for schools and universities.

✅ Peace of Mind for Your Event

Whether it’s a school festival, staff lunch, or large student event, choosing a caterer who prioritises safety and compliance ensures everything runs smoothly.