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Cooking Together for SEND learners - Meals on a Budget

Cooking Together for SEND learners - Meals on a Budget

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Cooking Together: Meals on a Budget is a practical 5 week course designed for SEND learners who want to build confidence in cooking, develop independent living skills, and enjoy preparing affordable, nutritious meals in a supportive environment.

Through hands on activities, learners will develop everyday cooking skills while learning how to plan, prepare and share simple, healthy meals. Activities are adapted to meet individual abilities and learning needs, helping everyone participate at their own pace in a safe and inclusive setting.

This course is one of four Cooking Together and Growing Together themed courses running throughout the year.

  • Entry Requirements


    This course is designed for SEND learners who would like to develop their cooking, confidence and independent living skills.

    No previous cooking experience is needed. Learners should be willing to take part in practical kitchen activities and be able to follow simple instructions with support where required. Activities can be adapted to suit a range of abilities.

    *This course is designed for adult learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Learners must be aged 19 or over on the start date of the course and must not have an active Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

  • Course Content


    Throughout the course, learners will prepare a range of simple, low-cost recipes while developing practical kitchen skills, food hygiene knowledge, and confidence in cooking independently.

    Topics include:

    Week 1: Overnight oats

    Week 2: Lentil stew with rice

    Week 3: Banana bread

    Week 4: Ribollita soup

    Week 5: Apple crumble

    Learners will also explore:

    *Budget friendly meal planning

    *Healthy eating

    *Safe food preparation and kitchen hygiene

    *Reducing food waste and making sustainable choices

    *Working together and sharing meals with others

  • Progression Next Steps


    This course is part of the Cooking Together and Growing Together programme for SEND learners. After completing this course, you may wish to continue developing your practical cooking, gardening and independent living skills by progressing to:

    WHRX052CL: Cooking Together: Hosting & Life Skills (T1D) Build confidence preparing and sharing food while developing everyday independent living skills.

    WHRX055CL: Cooking Together: Meals on a Budget (T2D) Learn to prepare healthy, affordable meals and develop budgeting and meal-planning skills.

    WHRX053CL: Growing Together: From Garden to Plate (T2D) Grow your own produce and learn how to use fresh ingredients in simple recipes.

    WHRX054CL: Growing Together: Gardening for Wellbeing (T3D) Develop practical gardening skills while improving health, wellbeing and confidence through outdoor activities.

    Learners may also progress to other independent living, personal development or employability courses to continue building confidence and everyday life skills.

  • Additional Information


    A £20 materials fee is payable to cover ingredients used during the course.

    This course is one of four Cooking Together and Growing Together courses offered throughout the year, each with a different theme to help learners continue developing their skills and confidence.

    For more information, please see the website or contact beata.allen@stcg.ac.uk.

  • Course Structure


    This is a 5 week practical course with one session each week. Each session includes demonstrations, hands on cooking, supported practical activities and opportunities to taste and discuss the finished dishes.

    Recipes and activities are designed to be accessible and can be adapted to suit individual learning needs, abilities and previous experience.

  • Assessment Details


    There are no formal exams or written assessments.

    Progress is assessed through participation in practical activities, observation by the tutor and the development of cooking, food preparation and independent living skills throughout the course. Learners will receive regular encouragement and feedback to help build confidence.

  • Teaching and Learning


    Learning takes place in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment, with experienced tutors providing step by step guidance throughout each session.

    Teaching includes demonstrations, practical cooking activities, discussion, visual prompts and individual support where appropriate. Learners are encouraged to work at their own pace, practise new skills, and build confidence through repeated hands on experience. The focus is on developing practical life skills, independence and enjoyment of cooking in a positive and social setting.