Cooking the Next Level

What to expect during the session

Cooking the Next Level is designed for participants who want to take their cooking skills further – building independence, confidence, and the ability to plan and prepare meals from start to finish.

This program focuses on developing functional life skills through:

• Meal preparation – from choosing recipes to plating the final dish
• Budgeting – learning how to shop smart and make the most of ingredients
• Meal planning – organising a menu and shopping list for the week ahead
• Food safety – safe storage, preparation, and cooking practices
• Healthy cooking – making nutritious meals that taste great
• Organisational and time management skills – coordinating tasks and timelines in the kitchen
• Social interactions – working as part of a team, sharing responsibilities, and enjoying meals together

Each week, participants work in small groups, supported to follow step-by-step instructions – from chopping and cooking to serving and eating the meal together. Any leftovers are packaged up to take home and share with family.

To celebrate their progress, the final session of the term invites families to join the group for a special shared meal prepared entirely by the participants.