Practical cooking has been recognised as one of the activities within the Department for Education’s new Enrichment Framework for England, reinforcing its role in helping children develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, creativity and essential life skills. Included within the framework’s Wider Life and Future Skills category, practical cooking is one of the enrichment activities schools can use to support pupils’ personal development, close participation gaps for disadvantaged children, and promote wellbeing and attendance.<\/p>\n
As schools look at ways to deliver meaningful enrichment opportunities, families in Telford & Shifnal can also benefit from these same life skills as award-winning children’s cookery school Cook Stars launches local classes for children aged 2-17. The local Cook Stars team also offers cookery sessions for schools, helping them deliver engaging, hands-on experiences that support the aims of the framework.<\/p>\n
“Parents and teachers recognise the importance of cooking and the lifelong benefits it brings, but finding the time to teach children practical kitchen skills can be challenging,” said Catherine Cox, who is bringing Cook Stars to the area.<\/p>\n
“We’re delighted to bring Cook Stars to Telford & Shifnal, giving local families and schools another opportunity to help children build confidence, independence and skills they’ll use for life. It’s fantastic to see practical cooking recognised within the DfE Enrichment Framework<\/a> because we’ve seen first-hand the impact it has on children’s confidence, resilience and willingness to try new things.”<\/p>\n Cook Stars has worked with schools, councils and communities across the UK for many years, delivering hands-on cooking experiences that help children develop practical skills they will use for life. Every child prepares their own dish from scratch to take home, encouraging independence, creativity and a positive relationship with food.<\/p>\n Classes are available for:<\/p>\n All ingredients, equipment, aprons, packaging, recipe cards and a snack are provided, making it easy for busy families to take part.<\/p>\n The programme promotes a balanced approach to food, combining home-cooked recipes made with simple ingredients with occasional treats. Children are encouraged to explore new flavours and cuisines, develop practical kitchen skills and build confidence in the kitchen.<\/p>\n Safety and inclusion are central to every class, with trained, DBS-checked leaders and allergy-aware recipes that can often be adapted where needed.<\/p>\n “Children are often far more capable in the kitchen than adults expect,” added Catherine. “One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is seeing children take their new skills home, become more involved in family mealtimes and grow in confidence week after week. When children help prepare their own food, they’re often much more willing to try and enjoy new ingredients.”<\/p>\n In addition to weekly classes, Cook Stars offers pre-school, after-school and weekend classes, school holiday workshops and children’s birthday parties. The local team also works with schools to deliver curriculum enrichment, after-school clubs and bespoke cookery sessions.<\/p>\n To celebrate the launch, new families can take advantage of a Buy One Class, Get One FREE introductory offer*.<\/p>\n\n