Aurora Keyes Barn students as keen as mustard at cookery workshop
Students at Aurora Keyes Barn School in Preston got the chance to learn new skills and try new dishes at the cookery session, hosted by the charity Adopt a School.
Stimulating children’s interest in food and healthy eating was the motivation for a fun, interactive workshop.
Students at Aurora Keyes Barn School in Preston got the chance to learn new skills and try new dishes at the cookery session, hosted by the charity Adopt a School.
The independent day school provides specialist education for boys aged 5 to 12 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, where a dedicated team support them with their behaviour, to build their confidence and realise their potential.
“I was so proud of the students who experienced a real sense of achievement after their cooking session,” said Head Teacher Diana de Nooijer. “All the students took their dish home and we had really positive feedback from parents and carers.”
The Adopt a School programme was founded by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts to help children develop healthy eating habits, as well as giving an insight into the hospitality industry.
It aims to improve job opportunities for young people as well as combatting health inequalities, such as childhood obesity and poor oral health.
Hosting the event at Aurora Keyes Barn was Chef James Holden, who is one of the many hospitality professionals who volunteer for the charity.
CHEF JAMES HOLDEN DEMONSTRATING SOME COOKERY SKILLS TO THE STUDENTS
“Learning how to cook healthy food when young helps people feed themselves and others affordably and is critical to addressing the nation’s health crisis,” he said.
“Working with such engaging children was a brilliant experience for me as everyone was prepared to participate. They were focused, attentive and responsive and the resulting food following the recipes proved this. It was a pure delight and I look forward to returning to do more with the students!”
According to Diana, the students mirrored James’s enthusiasm and were genuinely interested in the whole experience.
“I think food is a great vehicle to make connections with people and I believe the workshop embodied this beautifully,” she said. “It did wonders for the boys’ self-esteem and some even began to picture themselves as chefs in the future!”
