Safeguarding

Key Facts

Cooking Together for SEND Learners: Hosting and Life Skills

Discover a new range of cooking activities for independent living in this new practical 5 week course. The best hands on cooking course for people who want to cook and share food but don't know where to start. In this 5 week capsule course you will learn how to choose, prepare and cook for your friends. The complexity of activities can easily be adapted to suit the experience and ability of participants.

A hands on practical course for beginner home chefs. After you complete the programme you will have the skills and confidence to cook and host at home.

Save money and learn tips and techniques for a more healthy and eco friendly lifestyle.

  • Entry Requirements


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

    No previous cooking experience is required. Learners should be willing to take part in food preparation activities and follow simple instructions with support where appropriate.

    Activities can be adapted to suit a range of abilities and individual support needs.

    *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


    Learners will explore practical cooking skills while learning how to prepare simple dishes, make healthy choices and develop confidence in cooking and hosting at home.

    Topics include:

    *Week 1: Sandwiches and canapes

    *Week 2: Chocolate chip cookies

    *Week 3: Puff pastry nibbles

    *Week 4: Macaroni cheese bake

    *Week 5: Savoury filo parcels

    Learners will also develop skills in:

    *Preparing ingredients safely and hygienically

    *Following simple recipes and instructions

    *Developing confidence using kitchen equipment

    *Making food choices for different occasions

    *Cooking and sharing food with others

    *Understanding healthy and sustainable food choices

    *Developing independence through practical activities

    *Building confidence in hosting friends and family

    *Learning ways to save money through home cooking

  • Progression Next Steps


    This course is part of the Cooking Together and Growing Together programme for SEND learners.

    After completing this course, learners may wish to continue developing their practical skills by progressing to:

    WHRX053CL Growing Together: From Garden to Plate (T2D)

    WHRX055CL Cooking Together: Meals on a Budget (T2D)

    Other practical independent living and wellbeing courses available for SEND learners

    These courses provide further opportunities to develop cooking, gardening, healthy lifestyle and independent living skills.

  • Additional Information


    A £20 materials fee is payable to cover ingredients, cooking materials and resources used during the course.

    Learners will have the opportunity to prepare and share a range of dishes and may be able to take home some of the food they make during the programme.

    This course is one of four Cooking Together and Growing Together courses offered throughout the year, each focusing on different aspects of cooking, gardening, wellbeing and independent living.

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

  • Course Structure


    This is a 5 week practical course with one session each week.

    Sessions include demonstrations, supported cooking activities, opportunities to practise new skills and time to share and reflect on completed dishes.

    Activities are designed to be accessible and can be adapted to meet individual learning needs, abilities and previous cooking experience.

  • Assessment Details


    There are no formal exams or written assessments.

    Progress is assessed through participation in practical cooking activities, observation by the tutor and the development of cooking skills, confidence and independence throughout the course.

    Learners will receive encouragement and feedback to support their progress and celebrate their achievements.

  • Teaching and Learning


    Learning takes place in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment led by experienced tutors.

    Sessions include cooking demonstrations, practical food preparation activities, discussion, visual resources and individual support where appropriate.

    Learners are encouraged to work at their own pace, try new activities and build confidence through practical experiences.

    The course supports learners to develop valuable life skills, increase independence and explore how cooking and sharing food can contribute to a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle.