Cooking Should Be Compulsory For All Children Aged 5 And Above
Cooking should be a compulsory part of the national curriculum for all pupils aged five to 16.
In its submission to the Department for Education’s review of the national curriculum, Libby Grundy, director of the Food for Life Partnership said: “Practical cooking lessons should be introduced at the earliest stage by ensuring that all students receive at least 48 hours experience of cooking skills in each of the first three key stages. The specification of a minimum number of hours for the development of practical cooking skills is very important.
“Within this, schools will still be able to decide how cooking is taught, how this is integrated with what students are learning in science, design & technology and other subjects. Children should also be taught the practical skills of food growing and the Department of Education must ensure that every school has the space to create a food-growing garden which all students can use during core curriculum time. Schools also need to be free to devote additional time to cooking based on the students’ needs in the local context.
“By starting cookery in Year 1, pupils will establish sound eating habits from an early age. If practical cooking lessons are to be increased across key Stages 1 to 3, it is essential that appropriate teacher professional development is put in place, as well as any additional capital funding necessary for facilities and equipment for food teaching.”
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