Cooking with Children with Additional Needs.

Cooking with children can be fun and rewarding, but for children with additional needs, it can sometimes feel overwhelming without the right su

pport. At Creative Kitchen, we’ve designed our SEN/D classes to make cooking accessible, enjoyable, and confidence-building for every child. Many of the strategies we use in our classes can also be applied at home to make mealtimes and baking sessions calmer, more structured, and more enjoyable for both child and parent.

Tips for Cooking at Home

Keep it simple and structured. Break recipes down into clear, manageable steps. Visual aids, such as pictures of each step, can help children understand the sequence of tasks and reduce anxiety about what comes next.

Adapt tools and ingredients. Consider using child-friendly utensils, pre-measured ingredients, or softer doughs and batters to make tasks easier to manage. Some children may find weighing, pouring, or stirring challenging, so small adjustments can make the process more enjoyable. In our classes, we often use measuring spoons and cups to support children. For those who struggle to lift, we use smaller spoons or cups and simply count in more measures to make up the same amount. This allows children to participate successfully while still following the recipe accurately.

Create a calm environment. Minimise distractions where possible and allow extra time for each step. Play soft music if it helps, or use timers for structured breaks. The calmer the environment, the more confident children often feel.

Engage the senses gently. Encourage children to touch, smell, and taste ingredients at their own pace. Some children may be sensitive to certain textures or smells, so allowing choice and control helps them build comfort and confidence over time.

Celebrate achievements. Every small success; stirring a batter, measuring flour accurately, or decorating a dish, deserves recognition. Positive reinforcement encourages children to keep trying and builds self-esteem.

How Our SEN/D Classes Are Different

Our Thursday SEN/D classes at Creative Kitchen HQ, running 5.30 to 6.30 pm during term time, are designed specifically with these needs in mind. Unlike standard sessions:

• We keep group sizes small. This ensures each child receives individual support and attention.

• Pace is adapted. Recipes and activities are slowed down to suit the needs of the children attending.

• Activities are tailored. Tasks are modified so every child can participate successfully, regardless of ability or confidence.

• Family involvement is flexible. Parents and carers can join in to support their child or take a back seat with a hot drink, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

• Supportive environment. Children are encouraged to explore and learn without pressure, and parents can connect with others who share similar experiences.

Our approach allows children to focus on learning practical skills, trying new foods, and enjoying the process, all in a calm, supportive environment designed just for them.

Bringing Skills Home

Many of the techniques we use in class can be applied at home. Using visual steps, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and celebrating small achievements are all ways to

make cooking with your child a positive, rewarding experience. Over time, these approaches can help children become more confident in the kitchen and develop life-long skills.

Join Us

If you’d like to try a supportive, inclusive approach to cooking with your child, our SEN/D classes provide a welcoming, safe, and fun space to learn. Children gain practical skills, confidence, and independence, while parents enjoy time to connect and relax, knowing their child is supported every step of the way.