22/01/2008

Pupils To Be Given Compulsory Cooking Classes

Pupils are to be given compulsory cooking classes in England's secondary school for the first time.

The Government plans to ensure that everyone knows how to make a healthy meal and from September, every 11-14 year-old in 85% of schools currently offering food technology classes will be taught practical cookery.

The remaining 15% will be expected to teach the compulsory classes by 2011.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said: "It's not going to be just the technology of food, it will be how you can use simple ingredients, simple recipes, so that children and young people can be prepared for adult life."

The Children's Food Campaign, a coalition of more than 50 health organisations, teachers' unions, children's charities and others welcomed the government proposal but critics immediately pointed to the shortage of food technology teachers.

Clarissa Williams of the National Association of Head Teachers told BBC Radio Four: "Cookers, microwaves, all of the utensils, all of that costs a lot of money. There's also the expectation that the children will bring the ingredients and for some that could be difficult."

(CD)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 July 2010
'Growing Appetite' For School Lunches
The number of children eating school lunches in England has seen a significant rise, according to national figures released today. The number of pupils eating healthy food at school has seen the biggest year-on-year percentage point increase since the height of the school meals revolution.
28 March 2008
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
18 May 2012
Cameron Denies Parenting Classes Are 'Nanny State'
Prime Minister David Cameron has hit back at critic’s saying that describing vouchers for parenting classes in England as a "nanny state" policy is "nonsense". The scheme is being tested in three trial areas; wherein those with children aged up to five can get a £100 voucher towards parenting classes.
15 May 2006
British values classes considered for UK schools
The government is to consider whether the teaching of core British values should become compulsory in English schools.
30 October 2003
Lowering speed restrictions could save thousands of lives
A reduction in the speed limit to 20mph in residential areas could cut child death and injury on the roads by two-thirds, the Health Development Agency has claimed today. The agency said that if put into practice, the move would save around 13,000 children from death or injury on the roads each year.