Dorset Hosts Cooking Classes for Children with Special Educational Needs

A series of cooking classes, described as “fantastic,” have been attended by children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Five sessions, financed by Local Alliance Groups (LAG), were conducted for children aged five to 13 in Ferndown, Dorset. During these sessions, participants had the opportunity to prepare afternoon tea, pizzas, and cupcakes. Clare Sutton, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, commented that the classes represented “a fantastic example of a community-led program making a real difference.” She further stated, “The dedication shown by everyone involved, and the joy it brings to children and their families, is great to see.” Dorset Council indicated that these sessions were initiated to fill a void in holiday activities available for children aged five to 12. The program offered advantages not only to the children—who received aprons, chefs hats, and bowls to take home, encouraging continued cooking beyond the classes—but also to their parents. Dorset Council noted that it provided “valuable” social opportunities, which are particularly crucial for parents of children with additional needs. The authority reported receiving favorable feedback regarding the sessions, including a statement from one parent: “It’s so lovely to see my child so engaged in this activity and look forward to the school holidays so we can come back.”