Menu
11/09/2008
Compulsory Cookery Package Will Help 'Fight Obesity'
A package paving the way for compulsory practical cooking lessons in secondary schools from 2011 has been introduced by Children, Schools and Families Secretary Ed Balls.
"Everyone should be able to prepare basic, nutritious dishes from scratch instead of taking 'pride' in not being able to cook properly," said Mr Balls.
He also urged parents to get their children, particularly boys, cooking at home because it was one of the keys to fighting obesity.
The new funding includes £150 million ringfenced capital investment to build food technology teaching areas in secondary schools currently without facilities and £750,000 specifically to recruit and train 800 new food technology teachers.
The Government is also publishing a new, free cookbook for all 11-year-olds today, to help them learn healthy versions of old favourites - including spaghetti bolognese; risotto; lamb hot pot; lamb rogan josh; roast chicken legs; chow mein; and apple crumble.
The announcement follows ministers' confirmation in January that from 2011, food technology lessons, including hands-on practical cooking lessons, will be compulsory for every 11 to 14-year-old - the first time that cooking has ever been compulsory in schools.
Mr Balls said: "Too many people just accept they cannot cook or simply do not have time for it. We’ve lost touch with making basic dishes from scratch, even though there has never been a wider range of food in our shops. Celebrity chef cookbooks are best-sellers but for too many people, cooking is now something they watch on television instead of doing themselves."
(CD/JM)
"Everyone should be able to prepare basic, nutritious dishes from scratch instead of taking 'pride' in not being able to cook properly," said Mr Balls.
He also urged parents to get their children, particularly boys, cooking at home because it was one of the keys to fighting obesity.
The new funding includes £150 million ringfenced capital investment to build food technology teaching areas in secondary schools currently without facilities and £750,000 specifically to recruit and train 800 new food technology teachers.
The Government is also publishing a new, free cookbook for all 11-year-olds today, to help them learn healthy versions of old favourites - including spaghetti bolognese; risotto; lamb hot pot; lamb rogan josh; roast chicken legs; chow mein; and apple crumble.
The announcement follows ministers' confirmation in January that from 2011, food technology lessons, including hands-on practical cooking lessons, will be compulsory for every 11 to 14-year-old - the first time that cooking has ever been compulsory in schools.
Mr Balls said: "Too many people just accept they cannot cook or simply do not have time for it. We’ve lost touch with making basic dishes from scratch, even though there has never been a wider range of food in our shops. Celebrity chef cookbooks are best-sellers but for too many people, cooking is now something they watch on television instead of doing themselves."
(CD/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 January 2008
Pupils To Be Given Compulsory Cooking Classes
Pupils are to be given compulsory cooking classes in England's secondary school for the first time. The Government plans to ensure that everyone knows how to make a healthy meal and from September, every 11-14 year-old in 85% of schools currently offering food technology classes will be taught practical cookery.
Pupils To Be Given Compulsory Cooking Classes
Pupils are to be given compulsory cooking classes in England's secondary school for the first time. The Government plans to ensure that everyone knows how to make a healthy meal and from September, every 11-14 year-old in 85% of schools currently offering food technology classes will be taught practical cookery.
28 March 2008
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
07 February 2005
Compulsory saving is 'pension solution', say TUC
Compulsory savings must be part of any solution to the growing pensions crisis according to the TUC. In a submission to the Pensions Commission, chaired by Adair Turner, the TUC has said that people need to save 15% of their income to provide a decent pension and in a new compulsory system employers should provide 10% and employees 5%.
Compulsory saving is 'pension solution', say TUC
Compulsory savings must be part of any solution to the growing pensions crisis according to the TUC. In a submission to the Pensions Commission, chaired by Adair Turner, the TUC has said that people need to save 15% of their income to provide a decent pension and in a new compulsory system employers should provide 10% and employees 5%.
18 April 2008
Calls For Tougher Junk Food Advertising Laws
More than eighty percent of adults believe junk food advertising can make it difficult to feed children healthy food, a new survey has claimed. Consumer watchdog Which? Found 83% of consumers surveyed wanted the government to become more involved in controlling the marketing of unhealthy food to children. In total 2,000 people were questioned.
Calls For Tougher Junk Food Advertising Laws
More than eighty percent of adults believe junk food advertising can make it difficult to feed children healthy food, a new survey has claimed. Consumer watchdog Which? Found 83% of consumers surveyed wanted the government to become more involved in controlling the marketing of unhealthy food to children. In total 2,000 people were questioned.
25 October 2004
Tourists warned of risks of bringing food into the UK
The risks and controls prohibiting people bringing food into the UK from EU countries have been highlighted today as part of a public awareness campaign launched today. The current rules mean that it is illegal to bring meat and milk-based products for personal use back into the UK from outside the EU.
Tourists warned of risks of bringing food into the UK
The risks and controls prohibiting people bringing food into the UK from EU countries have been highlighted today as part of a public awareness campaign launched today. The current rules mean that it is illegal to bring meat and milk-based products for personal use back into the UK from outside the EU.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
