PRIMARY NEWS
Thousands of pupils take part in Discovery Education’s nationwide DoodleLearning challenge
A popular digital learning challenge is celebrating its most successful year yet, after tens of thousands of children across the UK took part during the Easter school holidays.
Discovery Education’s DoodleLearning Spring Challenge helps keep children motivated by encouraging them to practise maths and English for just a few minutes each day, using Doodle’s innovative learning programmes. Part of the Discovery Education family of services, the DoodleMaths and DoodleEnglish apps are designed to be used little and often, both at home and in the classroom – making them ideal for school holiday learning.
Pupils from over 600 UK primary schools took part in this year’s challenge by using DoodleMaths and DoodleEnglish throughout the month of April. Children who completed the challenge will be rewarded with special certificates and badges that will be presented by their teachers in school.
Charity Lisko, Discovery Education’s Vice President for International Product, Curriculum and Content said:
“Congratulations to all pupils who invested their time to extend learning beyond the classroom by taking part in this year’s DoodleLearning Spring Challenge. We’re thrilled that this year’s Challenge was our most successful yet.”
Designed to be used for just 10 minutes a day, Discovery
Education’s DoodleMaths and Doodle English programmes use the latest advances in learning and motivational psychology to raise attainment and boost confidence. Giving children a personalised learning programme tailored to their needs, the apps are proven to boost confidence and ability. Filled with thousands of interactive exercises, they explore numeracy and literacy in a fun, approachable way, giving children core skills they can use in the classroom and beyond.
Caterlink receives UK first accreditation across primary school portfolio
Education catering specialist, Caterlink, has set a new benchmark in the industry by becoming the first school caterer in the UK to achieve the Food for Life Served Here Silver accreditation across its entire portfolio of 1,200 primary school sites. This accolade cements Caterlink’s position as a national leader in providing sustainable and health-focused school meals. Awarded by the Soil Association, the Food for Life Served Here Silver standard recognises excellence in delivering fresh, healthy, ethically sourced, and environmentally conscious meals to pupils across the country.
This milestone reflects Caterlink’s long-standing commitment to raising industry standards, with over 185,000 freshly prepared primary school meals served daily across the UK. In 2024, the organisation reported a 1.4% reduction in food waste and a 12% decrease in menu-related carbon emissions.
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The Silver accreditation recognises Caterlink’s commitment to meals free from additives, artificial trans fats and GM ingredients, with a focus on local produce and high-welfare meat. The company also leads on sustainability with initiatives such as meat-free days, sustainable palm oil, and lower-carbon menus. Over the past eight years, the proportion of vegetarian dishes that are also vegan has grown from 40% to 70%, offering options that are 49% higher in fibre, 85% lower in salt and saturated fat, 74% lower in total fat, and 25% lower in CO e. Rebeccah Lawless, Managing Director at 4oc, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to see Caterlink achieve the ‘Food for Life Served Here’ Certification across all their primary school sites. It’s a fantastic milestone and a real testament to their ongoing commitment to fresh, sustainable, and responsibly sourced food for children. As one of their key fresh produce suppliers, we’re proud to support them every step of the way in delivering nutritious, seasonal fruit and vegetables that meet these high standards.”
Neil Fuller, Managing Director, Caterlink, says: “This is a proud moment for everyone at Caterlink. For 15 years, we’ve been committed to providing food that’s better for pupils and the planet, and this award recognises the incredible work our teams do every day in school kitchens across the UK.”
James Cashmore, Managing Director, Soil Association, says: “It is fantastic news that Caterlink have been awarded their silver Food for Life Served Here certification for all of their 1200+ primary schools. This is a truly inspiring commitment to sourcing and serving food that is better for climate, nature and health, helping to change food for good. The Soil Association knows just how important it is for every child to have at least one healthy and sustainable meal a day and we’re delighted to support Caterlink to lead the way. Congratulations to all involved.”
June 2025
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