ISBA BURSARCAST // Reducing Food Waste with Pupil Voice: Insights from Woodhouse Grove & DigiTally (16th January 2026)

What happens when pupils are given a voice in the dining hall — and their feedback drives real change? In this episode, we speak with Patrick McDermott from DigiTally, Michelle Howard, Sustainability and Energy Officer at Woodhouse Grove School, and Kevin Grant, the school’s Head Chef.Together, they explore how Woodhouse Grove took part in DigiTally’s Food Waste Challenge, using real-time pupil feedback to track what was left uneaten, identify what worked (and what didn’t), and make targeted changes to reduce waste and improve satisfaction.This short, practical conversation covers:How feedback tools helped the school understand and cut food wasteThe role of student voice in shaping more effective menusOperational changes made by the catering team based on the dataFinancial and sustainability benefits already being realisedThe wider educational impact on pupils’ awareness of food and wasteWhether or not your school uses digital tracking, this episode offers a clear case study in how data and dialogue can help align catering, sustainability, and budget priorities — without adding complexity. Resources MentionedDigitally Website ISBA Reference Library (Members only)Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIOwww.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.