Describes the new three-step training process for volunteers from autumn 2026.

1. Initial online training: An on-demand pathway of video content and downloadable resources explains in detail how each core session is delivered. Completed at each volunteer’s own pace.

2. Initial in-person training: Each new volunteer then signs up to shadow a real-life session being delivered in a school. Alternatively, a representative from our Regional Chef team attends a volunteer’s first session to provide them with in-person support. This completes the initial training and enables each volunteer to deliver the programme independently.

3. Ongoing refresher training: The same bitesize content for delivering the Core Programme is available to all returning volunteers and serves as optional refresher training. Further themed resources guide volunteers who are ready to adapt and extend the programme at their school. Essential programme updates are highlighted, with approximately one hour of mandatory engagement required per volunteer per year.

For most new volunteers, the school onboarding process will overlap with their initial training. Our programme team will be on hand to guide volunteers through each step:

1. Finding a school to ‘adopt’: Some volunteers approach us with a school in mind they’d like to ‘adopt’. For those without a school to nominate, we operate a waiting list of interested schools. We can also research potential schools on behalf of a volunteer.

2. Visiting the school: A pre-visit to the school is made in person by at least one of the volunteers who’ll be delivering the programme. This is an opportunity to meet key members of staff and discuss programme content, compare timetabling options and set tentative session dates. Volunteers are also in regular email contact with their schools, both before and after the pre-visit.

3. Safeguarding admin: A series of standard safeguarding forms is completed by every trained volunteer intending to deliver the programme. Volunteers will also receive safeguarding information submitted by the school via our Head Office, such as allergies and dietary requirements. On the rare occasion that a school requires an Adopt a School Chef to be DBS checked, our programme team can assist with this process.

Each full cycle of the programme can be delivered across an academic year, a school term, or even a series of close dates. We see lots of timetabling variations working in schools, including sessions combined into fewer visits. The “right” arrangement is the one that works for the the volunteer and their school, and we support most iterations of our Core Programme that can allow Adopt a School to be provided by a busy chef or hospitality professional.

Not as daunting as it sounds! We need to know what’s being planned and delivered at every school in our programme. We therefore need all volunteers to be responsive to requests for information from Adopt a School Head Office. If certain activities catch our eye as a potential case study for the charity, we may ask for extra information.