Dame Prue Leith has recently expressed admiration for Nigella Lawson’s contributions to the popular television show, The Great British Bake Off. Leith, a renowned figure in the culinary world, acknowledged Lawson’s significant impact on the show, highlighting her engaging presence and ability to inspire viewers.
New Culinary Initiative by Prue Leith
In addition to her praise for Lawson, Dame Prue announced the launch of a new educational initiative through Leiths Education. This program aims to introduce a free primary school curriculum designed to teach cooking skills to children.
Addressing the Cooking Skills Gap
Dame Prue noted that there has been a significant decline in cooking education within schools over the past three generations. “There’s been three generations with no cookery going on in schools, or very little,” she remarked. The goal of the new curriculum is to engage children starting from the age of four and continue through their primary education.
Successful Trial Implementation
The curriculum has already been implemented in nearly 50 schools, where it has shown promising results. According to the data collected, 82% of participating children reported notable improvements in their cooking skills.
- Curriculum launched by Leiths Education
- Aimed at children aged 4 and up
- Trial conducted in nearly 50 schools
- 82% of children saw significant skill improvement
The Joy of Cooking
Dame Prue also emphasized the intrinsic joy that cooking can provide for young learners. “In my 50 or 60 years of teaching cooking, I have never yet met a child who didn’t enjoy a cookery lesson,” she stated. Her belief is that children’s natural curiosity and imagination play a vital role in fostering a love for cooking.
This initiative not only aims to equip children with essential life skills but also seeks to rekindle their passion for cooking through interactive and enjoyable lessons. As the program develops, it is expected to make a meaningful difference in how cooking is perceived in primary education.
