A Torquay catering teacher who has transformed a school café into a thriving community hub has been recognised with a national award for his work helping young people develop confidence, independence and valuable life skills.
Arthur, catering lead at Combe Pafford School, was named the winner of the Food Educator award at the 2026 Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards, celebrating his innovative approach to using food and hospitality to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
His work centres around the school’s Yellow Frog Café, which has grown into a welcoming meeting place for the local community while providing students with a real working environment where they can learn and develop.
The café is run with the help of students past and present, who gain hands-on experience in cooking, serving customers, taking orders, using tills, food hygiene, allergies and other skills needed for the hospitality industry.
Arthur said the café gives students the opportunity to learn in a professional setting.
“It’s a training café with most of the cooking and serving done by students past and present. We currently have an apprentice who was at Combe Pafford. It’s a professional environment,” he said.
“It’s a great way for them to develop their skills and learn about food hygiene and allergies and manual handling – all skills that employers want.”
Arthur encourages students to experiment with food while keeping lessons practical and relatable.
“I try and focus on what they would cook at home. The kids love baking – especially brownies and cookies. I always try and get them to put a creative spin on what they’re making, to slip outside of their comfort zone.”
The café also helps students understand where their food comes from, with produce grown in the school garden being used in the kitchen.
More than 100 pupils benefit from Arthur’s teaching, including students from Combe Pafford, learners from other schools and those being educated outside of traditional school settings.
Arthur says the café is about much more than cooking.
“Hospitality is not just about cooking though. The students do everything – taking orders, working on the till, washing up. It’s about life skills and self-esteem is key. Serving is pivotal to help the young people with their communication skills.”
Arthur’s achievement came as a surprise after he was nominated by Combe Pafford deputy headteacher Jenny McVeigh. Students and parents provided testimonials about the positive impact he has had.
Arthur only discovered he had won when a television crew arrived at the school to surprise him, with the award presented live on ITV’s This Morning by TV personality Mark Wright.
“I never thought I’d be nominated for an award. There were more than 750 applicants just for my category,” Arthur said.
“I was overwhelmed by the students’ responses. I knew I had a relationship with them but never how much of an impact I had with them.”
Students have praised Arthur for helping them build confidence and discover new skills.
Vinnie said: “He’s made my confidence boost, given me advice for the gym and on healthy eating. He teaches me lots of new things and makes it fun.”
Fellow student Alfie added: “Arthur is awesome, understanding and listens. He is everything you would want someone to be as a teacher and his cooking is good too.”
Parents have also highlighted the difference the café has made, with Sarah, whose sons Vinnie and Alfie have both been taught by Arthur, saying he has helped build their confidence.
“As a mother, I cannot express the influence Arthur has with my two boys. He has built their confidence tenfold,” she said.
The Yellow Frog Café’s success comes as Combe Pafford prepares for a new chapter, with the school changing its designation in September to support children with autistic spectrum condition (ASC).
The school has also been undergoing improvements to its buildings and outdoor areas as part of the transition.
Councillor Nick Bye, Torbay’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, praised Arthur’s work, saying it demonstrates how positive relationships and the right support can help young people build confidence, independence and skills for the future.
The Yellow Frog Café continues to provide students with a unique learning environment while welcoming the wider community into Combe Pafford School.
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