Dr Sinéad Furey Nutritional Associate, Education and Training Inspectorate
What is your educational background?
After leaving school I graduated from the University of Ulster with a first class BA (Hons) degree in Consumer Studies with a Diploma in Industrial Studies with commendation. I then pursued a course of post-graduate study and gained a Doctor of Philosophy degree for my research into food poverty and food access.
What are the main elements of your role?
I am one of two Nutritional Associates in the Education and Training Inspectorate. Our role is to evaluate the quality of school meals and healthy eating programmes in the schools’ sector. A key aspect of this role is to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Department of Education’s programme, Catering for Healthier Lifestyles. We identify and report on good practice and assist in dissemination of good practice. As Nutritional Associates, we report on areas where further development or support may be required and contribute to school inspection reports. We report to Ministers and to Department officials with respect to progress made in schools in these two key areas.
What are the core aims of the Fit Futures initiative?
The aim of Fit Futures is to make recommendations on priorities for action in response to concerns about the rising levels of overweight and obesity in children and young people. One of these priorities is to create ‘healthy schools’ where the benefits of health education are supported by consistent messages sent out by food provision in schools (school meals, tuck shops and vending machines) and provision of high quality physical education – in other words a whole-school approach to health and well-being.
Describe your typical working day?
My typical working day begins by travelling to a primary, post-primary or special education school anywhere in Northern Ireland. I meet with the principal to outline the purpose of my day and learn more about the school. This is followed by a meeting with the catering supervisor in the school to discuss his/her experience of implementing the Catering for Healthier Lifestyles programme during which I evaluate the nutritional quality of the school meals. I then meet with the teaching staff member with responsibility for co-ordinating health and well-being within the school to discuss the policies and programmes that are in place to help children and young people learn about and experience food-related health programmes and initiatives.
I also hold a discussion group with children and young people to get their opinions, perceptions and appreciation for what their school is doing to encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle. We then have some fun with a food quiz to determine the young people’s knowledge and understanding of basic nutritional concepts and messages. The rest of my day is spent preparing a report which I use to provide feedback to the school Principal. It outlines strengths and any areas for development within the school’s healthy eating programmes and policies. At the end of my school visit I return to the office to consider and to write up my findings for inclusion in the school inspection report.
What experience is useful to be successful in your role?
There is an emphasis on working in teams, forming good professional relationships and ensuring effective consultation with Education and Library Board personnel, catering staff, senior managers, teachers, young people, external agencies and members of the public. I had to have a relevant degree in Dietetics, Human Nutrition or Home Economics (Consumer Studies) and experience of working with or within schools or other institutions in an aspect of health promotion relating to food and nutrition. Other key skills include an ability to plan, organise and prioritise work to meet agreed deadlines, manage the progress and delivery of projects, an ability to work with impartiality, fairness and sensitivity, be able to communicate effectively and be enthusiastic for the development and promotion of healthy eating amongst children and young people.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging aspect of the job is, at times, communicating the areas for improvement relating to healthy eating policies and practices. It is important to leave school and catering personnel feeling empowered to bring about meaningful change in the best interests of improving children and young people’s health.
What do you enjoy most about your work with schools?
The most enjoyable aspect of this work is feeling that you are making a difference in supporting schools to further develop and promote healthy eating amongst children and young people. Hopefully this will assist individuals to make informed healthy choices and set a precedent for future public health.
How do you work with the Consumer Council in achieving your goals?
Having worked previously for the Consumer Council on food, sustainable development and water, I have learned how to develop, analyse and evaluate policy. Given the Consumer Council’s food remit, I keep in touch with them on areas of shared interest including food projects and young people’s interests.
What has been your greatest achievement in this role?
My greatest achievement has been working successfully with colleagues to integrate this new aspect of health and well-being policy and practice into inspection activities.
And how do you unwind out of work?
After work I enjoy reading, walking, music, movies and socialising with friends – usually by working my way around the different restaurants in Belfast!
