Managed Canteens

Q: Where can I get the most current version of the canteen employees Wage rates?

A: This information can be sent by fax or email or you can access it from our website.

Q: Which rules do Affiliate Schools adhere to Canteen Association or P&C Federation?

A: Canteens that are managed by a P&C are required under the constitution to run under the guidelines provided in the Canteen Management Manual which is published by the Federation of P&C Associations of NSW.

There are many startling examples of problems, especially concerning management control when canteen staff or volunteers neglect to remember; The P&C is the incorporated organisation that provides insurance cover etc. The Canteen Sub-committee is a sub-committee of the P&C in their school, is accountable to it.

Q: If the whole Canteen Sub-committe e resigns can parents who have not previously been involved in the canteen, such as volunteers and are not paid to work for canteen by the P&C take over running it?

A: The short answer is No. However, we suggest you obtain a copy of the Canteen Management Manual for correct operational procedures with your P&C. Remember, if the canteen is being run by the P&C then it is the P&C who must meet and decide what will happen to the canteen.

In the end, if the P&C does relinquish control of the canteen, the Principal becomes the controlling authority as it is on DET property and in the Principals school.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the Canteen Workers Agreement?

A: A copy of an agreement that can be used for canteen workers is in the back of the Canteen Management Book.

Q: Are canteen workers affiliated with P&C?

A: No. Paid canteen workers are employees of their P&C. Their P&C is affiliated with the Federation.

Q: Do we need a separate ABN number for the canteen?

A: No, the P&C can only have one ABN number and the canteen sub committees use the same ABN no.

Q: If the canteen is running at a loss financially, what should we do?

A: It is advisable to firstly have the books looked at by an independent auditor, especially if there is significant financial loss (say in the thousands of dollars) and no obvious explanation.

Q: What about tendering the canteen out if there is a loss?

A: Generally speaking, in our experience, tendering out is not a viable option when the P&C with a paid supervisor and volunteers can not make a financial success of it,

The overheads such as insurance and restricted trading hours for example may be some of the reasons.

This is even more so in the case of a primary schools canteens, where the children have less money to spend as well.