A spur-of-the-moment visit by Jamie Oliver was the highlight of the week for the children of Orford primary School whose pioneering kitchen classroom has been running for two years as a pilot project for the Jamie Oliver Foundation. Since March 2009, the kitchen classroom - thought to be a first for a primary school in the UK – has been giving the school's lucky pupils new cooking skills at the same time as teaching them their core curriculum subjects such as maths, literacy and science . Lasagne, fish pie, Stir fried greens, pancakes with apples in fudge sauce are some of the meals that they will cook - and then eat for their lunch. Up to ten children can be taught at one time, sharing six cookers. The successful project represents the combined efforts of the local community, a unique educational charity Eastfeast, and Jamie Oliver's right-hand woman, Louise Holland.

The visit was Jamie’s first to Orford and he was hugely inspired by what he saw. The Jamie Oliver Foundation aims to use this Suffolk school as a template to expand kitchen gardens and classrooms to many more schools across the UK over the next 10 years. Jamie said: “Orford is like a shining beacon showing the way forward for all primaries. The work of cookery teacher Kate Kilburn, headteacher Mr Green and all the parents and kids is just wonderful to see. They’re so clued up about food and nutrition and they just show so much passion for cooking that it’s incredible. It’s what I’ve always said – inspire the kids early and they’ll carry a love of food and an understanding of the importance of cooking from fresh all through their lives.

“I’ve worked in a lot of primary schools and it’s sad to say that I know of very few with these dedicated kitchen facilities in and outside of the classroom. I have been monitoring the Government’s efforts for the last seven years and absolutely, change is starting to happen for the better. There is no one answer for solving the epidemic of bad public health but I can promise and assure you that what happens in primary schools sets kids on the right path and uses the tax-payers’ money efficiently . What happens in our primary schools has the most effect and is top of my priority list.

“I would like to say that the Government will be doing something about this problem but I think if there is to be change you have to do it for yourselves. Orford is a wonderful pilot, a fantastic community project, a great guide for others and one we hope to roll out to other primaries in the UK next year with the help of more local and national businesses so if any businesses or community members want to get involved in the Orford project or our national plans , please get in touch with my foundation. All it is is putting it back to how it used to be. I hope it offers a constructive blueprint for the future - every child deserves it.”

For further information please contact The Jamie Oliver Foundations’ School Projects Manager, Michelle Smith on michelle.smith@jamieoliver.com

Notes to Editors:

Suvi McCreadie runs High House fruit farm in Orford with her husband Piers. As well as fresh fruit, they produce a range of apple juices and preserves. Orford School uses the farm for an annual camping trip. For more information, see www.high-house.co.uk.

The cookery teacher Kate Kilburn is funded by The Jamie Oliver Foundation to teach in the new classroom four mornings a week, in addition to the school's regular staff. Kate was a regional winner in ITV’s Britain’s Best Dish competition last year.

Louise Holland, Jamie Oliver's right hand woman, first came up with the idea when she visited Melbourne with Jamie back in 2006 to open Fifteen restaurant. The Kitchen Garden Foundation (www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au) was created by Australian chef Stephanie Alexander.

About the author: Michelle Smith is the School Projects Manager Jamie Oliver Foundation.