Cookery classes
Tuesday, 22 Jan 2008 10:05
Cookery classes in schools will focus on healthy eating
Compulsory cookery classes are to be introduced in schools as part of the drive to cut Britain's rising obesity rates.
The classes will focus on giving children basic food skills that will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as adults.
Government ministers decided to introduce the lessons for 11 to 14-year-olds to help reduce the number of obese Britons.
Last year a major report warned that if current levels continue about a quarter of children, 60 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women will be obese by 2050.
At these levels obesity is projected to cost society £45.5 billion a year.
Currently 15 per cent of schools do not have a kitchen for pupils to be taught in but the government has pledged to address this issue by 2011, when cookery classes will become compulsory.
Pupils who would face difficulty paying for the ingredients used in lessons will also be given help.
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