Compulsory cooking class for pupils

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Schools Secretary Ed Balls is asking the public to suggest ideas for the classic English and world dishes that all pupils should learn to cook.

But headteachers attacked the plan, warning that schools face a shortage of specialist cookery teachers while many lack kitchens.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families said the scheme would aim to make sure all pupils can master simple, healthy recipes using fresh ingredients.

From this September, every 11-14-year-old in the 85% of schools currently offering food technology classes will be taught practical cookery.

The remaining 15% of secondaries in England will be expected to teach the compulsory classes by 2011.

The announcement forms part of the Government's obesity strategy that Mr Balls will launch with Health Secretary Alan Johnson on Wednesday.

John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, criticised the proposals for compulsory classes.

He said: "The Government should never have downgraded practical cookery 20 years ago, substituting, for example, 'design a picnic' for the skills of making picnic food."

The National Union of Teachers welcomed the plan but warned it would cost money. Its general secretary Steve Sinnott said: "At long last cooking has been made a core part of the curriculum. It is an essential life skill and should have been recognised as such."