Cooking Up Fun: Schools Bring Kitchens Right to the Classroom!

At John Rankin School in Newbury, students are getting a special chance to learn how to cook thanks to a fully equipped kitchen built right inside their school. This kitchen was made possible by the Parents, Teachers, and Friends Association, who raised the money needed. In the kitchen classroom, four primary school children, dressed in red aprons over their white shirts, stand together as their teacher explains a recipe. The room is bright and filled with natural light from the windows, making it a welcoming place for learning.

According to government statistics, more than one in five children in their last year of primary school are living with obesity. Many experts in food and health believe that teaching children how to cook could help them make better food choices and live healthier lives. However, most primary schools do not have enough space or money to build a kitchen. To solve this problem, a company started by the well-known chef and TV star Prue Leith is offering a free program called Leiths Education. This program allows students to learn how to cook right at their desks, using video tutorials and special cooking equipment that can be easily stored away.

At John Rankin School, the head teacher, Flora Cooper, says having a kitchen is a game-changer. She believes it is the best way to make cooking part of the school curriculum. Year 6 students spend up to two hours chopping onions, grating carrots, and stirring mince or vegetarian options as they prepare meals like spaghetti bolognese. Their teacher, Maria Curtis, says the goal is to spark a passion for cooking and give students the chance to try new things. Ten-year-old Edith says she enjoys learning to cook because it will be useful when she is an adult. While not every school can have its own kitchen, programs like Leiths Education make it possible for more children to learn important cooking skills. The government has also made rules to help children and parents learn about healthy eating, and there are hopes that more hands-on cooking lessons will be included in the future.