Surprise TV award for school cook who has served generations of pupils

A school cook who has dedicated 45 years of service to Blackwood Primary School has been recognised on national television.

Phyllis Levi was surprised live on ITV’s This Morning after being announced as the winner of the programme’s Lifetime Achievement Award by TV chef Jamie Oliver.

Starting out as a dinner lady working just one hour a day, Phyllis worked her way through the ranks to become head cook at the school. Today, she leads a team serving up to 300 lunches each day, as well as supporting the school’s breakfast club.

Over the course of her career, she is estimated to have served around one million lunches and supported more than 10,000 pupils.

A much-loved figure at the school, Phyllis officially begins work at 8am, but colleagues say she is routinely on site by 7.30am to ensure everything is ready for the children to start their day.

Beyond the kitchen, she has also played a key role in the school’s wider community initiatives, including its community pantry, helping to ensure support reaches families in need.

Under her leadership, the school’s catering provision has repeatedly achieved five-star food hygiene ratings and received recognition from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Karen Davies, headteacher at Blackwood Primary, said: “She is far more than our cook in charge; she is at the heart of our school community.

“Phyllis genuinely knows and cares about our children. If a pupil hasn’t eaten their usual lunch or seems a little out of sorts, she is often the first to notice and raise a concern so that we can provide support.

“This award is a fitting recognition of a remarkable woman whose impact will be felt for years to come. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of This Morning’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Jamie Oliver praised Phyllis’ commitment to generations of pupils and said: “Great school food does more than fill children up, it makes them feel cared for, energises them to learn, be creative and importantly, makes them excited to come into school the next day.

“What Phyllis has done over more than 45 years is beyond special. She has dedicated her life’s work to growing children’s confidence through food.

“She has given them skills for life, skills that can take them into work and an excitement for food that they can take home. It goes beyond the school gates and into these kids’ futures.”

He added: “It’s an honour to crown Phyllis as our Lifetime Achievement Award winner and show the nation how brilliant she is and why this work matters.”