Celebrity chefs push for cooking lessons in primary schools | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJenny GarnsworthyFriday 06 March 2026 01:34 GMTPrue Leith makes five-word admission on health as she opens up about marriageDame Prue Leith, Delia Smith and Stanley Tucci are spearheading a campaign for children to receive regular practical cookery lessons from their first days in primary school.The trio brought their impassioned plea to Parliament, arguing that hands-on cookery is crucial for developing pupils’ culinary abilities, essential life skills and a foundational understanding of healthy eating.This push comes amid concerns that the removal of dedicated cooking facilities from schools has relegated practical cookery to an infrequent activity.Research by Leiths found that three-quarters of primary pupils do not receive regular cookery lessons, despite government guidance on the health benefits of a diet based on natural, scratch-cooked ingredients.A government spokesman responded by stating that children are already taught about healthy eating in various subjects and highlighted initiatives such as free school meals and breakfast clubs.In fullDame Prue Leith explains why cooking should be taught in schoolsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in