Cymru Cooks

Cymru Cooks links with the Welsh Network of Healthy Schools Schemes and other Welsh Assembly Government priorities, including out-of- school-hours learning and Community Focused Schools.

Resource

Download Cymru Cooks (PDF file, 2MB)

Progress

The Cymru Cooks project remains as important now as when it was first launched. It forms part of the Appetite for Life action plan - launched by Minister Jane Hutt 22 November 2007, and details ContinYou Cymru’s support in the development of oshl cookery clubs, supporting a whole school approach to food and nutrition.

ContinYou Cymru continues the role out of Cymru Cooks ‘introduction to cookery clubs’ sessions in partnership with Healthy Schools, Out-of-School-Hours Learning and Community Focussed Schools Co-ordinators, to support the development of cookery clubs with children, young people and their community across Wales.

Bespoke ‘introduction to cookery clubs’ sessions are planned to ensure they complement work already taking place in each authority. Added contributions from oral health officers, community dieticians, environmental health – food hygiene officers, health and safety executives, catering managers and voluntary sector community organisations, have enhanced the delivery of Cymru Cooks Introduction to Cookery Clubs sessions.

Interest in the programme continues to grow; many local authorities have formed partnership steering groups, taking the development of cookery clubs to the next level. Cymru Cooks continues to be a catalyst to create motivation.

Activities

The project includes:

• the production of a bespoke cookery clubs resource that will:
  • cover the foundation to secondary age
  • include community involvement
  • link to Welsh Network of Healthy Schools Schemes (WNHSS)
  • link to Health Challenge Wales
  • link to sport, PE and fitness and other curriculum areas
  • link to other Welsh Assembly Government priorities, including
    • out-of-school-hours learning
    • community focused schools
  • make use of existing materials and resources from within and outside Wales
• the development and delivery of awareness-raising/training sessions in all LEA areas over the two year period
• website support, including a register for cookery clubs and networking opportunities
• an impact evaluation in partnership with NEWI.

The resource materials are in draft stage and will be provided at all the training sessions.

Training sessions

Angela Bliszko, Project Manager for ContinYou Cymru, is currently working with LEA healthy schools, community focused schools and out-of-school-hours learning co-ordinators in each authority to agree and plan each session.

The ‘introduction to cookery clubs’ sessions cover all aspects of setting up a cookery club:

• Why cookery clubs, why now?
• How cookery clubs meet the healthy schools agenda
• Foods we eat and the effect on our teeth
• Nutrition
• Food hygiene, health and safety and risk assessment
• Food preparation - safe methods to use with children and young people
• Ideas for cookery club themes and session planning

Informal, fun, Cymu Cooks sessions have received excellent reviews and feedback:

‘practical cookery demonstration delivered by a very innovative and motivated individual, thank you’

‘it was all extremely enjoyable, to itemise just one aspect from the day would be difficult’

‘an excellent day in all respects – input from different professional organisations particularly useful.  We look forward to implementing the suggestions provided, back at school’

‘pleasant atmosphere, enthusiastic speakers providing real stimulation to start a cookery club’ Carmarthenshire Cymru Cooks – June 2008

If you want to know more about your area's session contact: lucy.kew@continyou.org.uk

Jan Wilson-Jones

We are delighted to have the support and advice of Jan Wilson-Jones, who some of you will know through her success in winning S4C’s Chez Dudley competition in 2007. Jan lives in Denbighshire and is a part-time primary school teacher and mum.

Jan says, ‘My main hobby is cooking and winning Chez Dudley on S4C has been a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to pick up new skills and learn about provencal cuisine. I still can’t believe that we were cooking for Michelin star chefs! I try to cook healthy meals for the sake of my family and my waistline, but still love to create new puddings and bake cakes.

‘As a teacher, mum, and someone obsessed with food, I am very pleased to be involved in this project. I believe passionately that all children should have the opportunity to learn about food and the importance of eating healthily. I also think that cooking should be fun and that we have a lot to learn from countries where preparing and enjoying good food is an integral part of everyday life.’

Read about the Innovation Award for Rhondda Cynon Taff Healthy Schools scheme, awarded in August 2008.

Cymru Cooks in the Vale of Glamorgan

Jane Hutt, Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, recently presented certificates to Cymru Cooks Clubs in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Case Studies

You can also read some case studies.