Skill Up Start Cooking! Preparing for compulsory cooking activities in the primary curriculum Jane Sixsmith, Director of Focus on Food

September 2014 Cooking and Nutrition compulsory for all children up to the age of 14 As part of their work with food, pupils should be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life. D&T curriculum KS1-3

Why teach cooking skills? Children love to cook –this is something that everyone can achieve in Children are more likely to try new foods if they have cooked them from scratch Many children don’t get a positive experience of cooking at home so it’s up to school to provide the opportunity Cooking is a skill for life, helping us take control of what we eat and reduce the cost of food bills Cooking activities can help schools engage with hard to reach parents

Challenges this may bring Crowded curriculum - how to fit cooking in? How much and how often? No dedicated cooking classroom - where to cook? Confidence of staff to lead practical sessions - how to skill up? What to cook at what age and progression of skills. Predominantly savoury dishes - H&S issues?

COOKING ACROSS THE SCHOOL Bring Maths, English and Science to life through hands-on cooking Plan in some skills-focused lessons dedicated to learning to cook Link with growing, sustainability and school meals - whole school approach COOKING FACILITIES Assess the space you’ve got and think creatively Invest in a good set of equipment and use it only for cooking Establish systems of best practice for cooking in the classroom UP-SKILLING STAFF Food Safety training for all (not a legal requirement but recommended) Get some specialist training and cascade across the school - especially knife skills teaching Engage your school cook or caterer - they have great skills to share PROGRESSIVE CURRICULUM Carry out a curriculum mapping exercise - what is cooked, when, why? Plan cooking into the curriculum like other subjects and projects Develop pupils’ cooking skills across the key stages, avoid too much repetition and build a repertoire of dishes Rising to the challenge

Focus on Food Successes New cooking room design School cooks training and support Oakmeadow PS Leys Farm JS Kirklees Caterers

We are here to help Skill Up Start Cooking resource pack with 32 tried & tested recipes for 3-11yr olds Skills Snippets videos Cook School recipe app CPD on a Cooking Bus, at our Cooking School or delivered in school COOKIT – quality equipment Advisory service Hire a Cooking Bus for inspirational cooking sessions

Cooking in Schools - Cooking Towards a Healthier Future 26 th or 27 th MARCH am – 4pm (choice of date available) Dean Clough, Halifax, HX3 5AX 26 th or 27 th MARCH am – 4pm (choice of date available) Dean Clough, Halifax, HX3 5AX An inspiring, full day practical session on how to teach healthy, educational cooking lessons. Aimed at primary, secondary and SEN teachers to keep up to date with The School Food Plan and new curriculum featuring cooking from age 5. Contact: