Produced by the Flying Start Dietetic team December 2023.
Get Cooking is a practical cookery course that is part of the Nutrition Skills for Life Programme (NSFL), it is accredited at level one and is worth two credits (20 guided hours of learning). The course supports individuals to develop their cooking skills and knowledge of an affordable, healthy balanced diet, which they can apply in their everyday lives for their families. Participants on the course have the opportunity to make at least 12 cost-effective healthy recipes that are quick, easy and tasty.
In Flying Start Cardiff, Get Cooking is delivered to parents and carers who have a child/ children under the age of 4 years and are eligible for the full Cardiff Flying Start programme. The course is delivered by a Dietetic Assistant and supported by a Community Nursery Nurse. The sessions are 2 hours once a week for 8 weeks, with an additional Love Food Hate Waste session. Learners receive a free recipe book and goody bag with basic cooking equipment when they complete the Cardiff Flying Start Get Cooking course.
How did you hear about the course?
I heard about the course from my Flying Start Health visitor.
– Both
Why did you join the Get Cooking course?
Because it was free and I thought it would be good to get a refresher in cooking.
– Dad 1
I wanted to learn new skills and tips to cook healthy meals on a budget. I also wanted to do something for myself, so having the Flying Start crèche there for the children was amazing.
– Dad 2
What did you enjoy most about the course?
I liked that it was mostly practical. I also enjoyed getting together with other parents.
– Dad 1
I was so grateful that it is mostly a practical course. This made it more enjoyable.
– Dad 2
Was there anything that surprised/ worried/ pleased you about the course?
I just thought the course was really good. I especially liked making the chicken nuggets as most people tend to buy these frozen.
– Dad 1
Originally, I was concerned that I was going to be the only dad there, but everyone was friendly and I enjoyed every part of the course.
– Dad 2
What have you learnt from attending?
It was more of a refresher for me as I knew most of the cooking skills already.
– Dad 1
I have learnt quite a lot for example, safe knife skills, I now find it easier
– Dad 2
Have you made any changes since attending the course?
We already cook a lot in our house, but the course gave me more healthy ideas and I intend to switch some things in recipes to make them healthier, that I would not have thought of before.
– Dad 1
I now bake bread at home and make the Raita Dip too. I have become better at trying new foods and as a result my son has been trying more new foods too. I am also including more vegetables in my diet and using herbs to add flavour to my meals instead of salt.
– Dad 2
How do you think what you learned on the course will benefit you in the future?
The skills that I have learnt are going to be really useful in my line of work cooking with residents in assisted living. I will be sharing the recipes with some of the people at work.
– Dad 1
I am going to eat healthier. Just getting out of the house and doing something for me was a benefit too and helped with my mental health.
– Dad 2