Auntie Em's Kitchen and MK Cookery School have joined forces in a bid to make an impact on the lives of young people in Milton Keynes.
Following a successful partnership during the Easter Holidays, Auntie Em's Kitchen and MK Cookery School provided meals for children from low-income families.
During their previous collaboration, Auntie Em's Kitchen and MK Cookery School aw the need for initiatives that extend beyond the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) funded meals they had been providing.
Now, they have embarked on an ambitious mission to empower young people who have experienced the care system.
The transition to adulthood can be daunting for care leavers. For many, reaching the age of 18 means leaving the care of foster parents or children's homes, and they are thrust into independent living, expected to survive on £67 per week of Universal Credit.
Auntie’s Cookery School has partnered with Learn Plus Us to create a comprehensive curriculum. The curriculum, approved by the National Awarding Body, NCFE, encompasses a 10-week Level 1 course, with three hours of instruction per week.
The course covers fundamental culinary skills, including meal preparation, as well as essential employability skills such as CV writing, budgeting, and earning a Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate.
This initiative is not solely intended for those interested in a career within the hospitality industry; it is designed to enhance independence. The curriculum emphasizes budgeting, nutrition, and recycling as core pillars.
Each week, learners will prepare their meals, culminating in a communal dining experience.
Furthermore, they will document their progress in a portfolio of their work, fostering a sense of achievement and self-efficacy.
Auntie’s Cookery School has also worked closely with the MK Council Social Care Team.
Milton Keynes alone is home to nearly 300 young people aged 16 and over who are in the care system. The objective is to ensure that all these young individuals have access to these vital life skills.
Beyond the Level 1 award, a Level 2 award will also be available for those with a keen interest in the hospitality industry. Upon completion of the Level 2 award, students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience by working alongside Auntie’s Cookery School on their Social Enterprise Food Van, set to make appearances at events across Milton Keynes next summer. This hands-on experience will provide these young individuals with valuable insights into the hospitality industry.
To launch this transformative initiative, Auntie’s Cookery School are seeking £10,000 in funding for the pilot scheme, scheduled to commence in January. This funding will enable them to provide essential skills training to 12 young people, empowering them on their path to independence and alleviating the anxieties associated with living alone at such a young age.
Upon successful completion of the pilot scheme, Auntie Em's Kitchen and MK Cookery School will have real-time data to support grant applications from renowned organizations such as The National Lotto, Global's Make Some Noise, Postcode Lottery, and Children in Need, among others.
If you are want to support this life-transforming pilot scheme, or find out more, contact Emily@auntieemskitchen.uk or Bhavna@mkcookeryschool.co.uk
