After 34 years of working for Sefton, and 11 years as Cook in Charge at English Martyrs Primary School, Jeanette Dyson has retired.

Catering in Sefton

Jeanette started as a general assistant in the Sefton school meals kitchen in 1992. After successfully completing a two-year catering course, she then got to run kitchens of her own.

She cooked in a number of kitchens in Sefton, ranging from high schools and primary schools to Sefton’s town halls. Jeanette has also worked as a Mobile Cook, a Cook in Charge, and Supervisor, and has been a hugely valued member of the catering team in Sefton.

For the past 11 years, Jeanette worked at English Martyrs and was previously at Waterloo Primary and Sacred Heart Lower. She was adored by the pupils and staff at all. Jeanette was key to introducing the Deli service, where pupils chose their own sandwich breads and fillings to have made fresh that day, first trialled at English Martyrs, and since rolled out across other primary schools in Sefton.

Sharing her skills

Throughout her time working in Sefton, Jeanette has trained many other staff, who have gone on to run their own kitchens and be successful in their own right. Her legacy continues on, and she will be missed by both the catering service, and the pupils and staff that worked with her.

Last week on Thursday 16^th July, the English Martyr’s school community thanked Jeanette for her service with a golden certificate for her work in the community.

When reflecting on her last three decades, Jeanette said: “I did it all! I will miss the schools and the students and laughing and joking with the staff.”

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Family and Schools said: “People like Jeanette are so important in our school community, and she has played a key role in training the next generation of our school cooks. They are an essential part of our school services and she has been an asset to Sefton.

“I want to thank Jeanette on behalf of Sefton Council for her commitment and work. She has made a tangible contribution, has been a loved and appreciated member of staff, and we wish her a happy retirement.”

You can find out more about Sefton School Meals here.