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AQA Unit Award Specification

Cooking Therapy

Scheme of Work

Therapeutic cooking programme developing essential life skills, independence, and emotional regulation through structured, sensory-rich food preparation activities.

Section 1

Intent, Implementation & Impact

Intent

  • Deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum adapted for SEND learners
  • Build confidence and independence through scaffolded learning
  • Ensure all learners access their full educational entitlement
  • Align with EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood pathways

Implementation

  • Differentiated resources and multi-sensory teaching approaches
  • Therapeutic integration within lessons to support regulation
  • Regular formative assessment to track progress against targets
  • Small group sizes with high staff-to-learner ratios

Impact

  • Measurable progress against EHCP outcomes each term
  • Accredited qualifications appropriate to learner ability
  • Improved confidence, resilience, and self-regulation
  • Readiness for next steps in education, training, or employment
Section 2

Curriculum Overview by Strand

Food Safety & Hygiene

Independent Living
Demonstrate correct handwashing and hygiene routines consistently
Identify and prevent cross-contamination risks in food preparation
Understand temperature control and safe food storage principles

Content: Handwashing, food storage, temperature control, cross-contamination, cleaning

Progression: From prompted hygiene routines to independent, automatic food safety practice

Real-World: Safe food handling at home and in the workplace, health protection

Meal Preparation

Independent Living
Follow visual and written recipes with increasing independence
Use a range of cooking techniques: chopping, mixing, baking, frying
Prepare complete meals from start to finish including presentation

Content: Following recipes, measuring, cooking techniques, timing, presentation

Progression: From fully supported preparation to independent meal cooking

Real-World: Preparing meals at home, feeding yourself independently, cooking for others

Nutrition & Health

Health & Wellbeing
Identify the main food groups and their role in a balanced diet
Read and interpret food labels for nutritional information
Plan balanced meals considering dietary needs and preferences

Content: Food groups, balanced meals, dietary needs, reading labels, meal planning

Progression: From identifying food groups to planning nutritionally balanced meals

Real-World: Healthy eating choices, understanding food labels, managing dietary needs

Independence Skills

Independent Living
Create shopping lists and budget for ingredients
Organise a kitchen workspace safely and efficiently
Clean and tidy a kitchen independently after food preparation

Content: Shopping lists, budgeting, kitchen organisation, equipment use, clearing up

Progression: From supported kitchen tasks to full independent kitchen management

Real-World: Living independently, managing a household, workplace kitchen use

Section 3

Assessment Cycle

CONTINUOUSCYCLE

Baseline

September

Formative

Ongoing

Half-Termly

Every 6 weeks

Summative

Termly

Annual Review

Annually

Baseline

Initial assessment to establish starting points and inform differentiation

Formative

Regular lesson-level checks for understanding and progress

Half-Termly

Assessed tasks to track progress against learning objectives and EHCP targets

Summative

End-of-term assessment with moderated grading and reporting

Annual Review

Contribution to EHCP Annual Review with evidence of progress

Section 4

Adaptations for SEND Learners

SEMH Support
  • Regulation breaks built into lesson plans
  • Therapeutic check-ins before and after sessions
  • Flexible seating and low-stimulus environments
  • Positive behaviour reinforcement strategies
ASC Adaptations
  • Visual timetables and structured routines
  • Clear, literal instructions with visual supports
  • Advance notice of changes to activities or routine
  • Reduced sensory demands in the learning environment
Communication Needs
  • Colourful Semantics and visual communication aids
  • Pre-teaching of key vocabulary before each topic
  • Simplified task instructions with visual scaffolding
  • Alternative recording methods where appropriate
Cognition & Learning
  • Scaffolded worksheets with graduated difficulty
  • Concrete-pictorial-abstract approach to new concepts
  • Repetition and retrieval practice built into every session
  • Extended processing time and chunked instructions
Section 5

Termly Scheme of Work

Section 7

Preparation for Adulthood Links

Employment

  • Workplace-relevant skills and knowledge
  • Problem-solving and independent thinking
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Accredited qualifications for career pathways

Independent Living

  • Real-world application of core skills
  • Managing personal information and data
  • Budgeting and financial literacy connections
  • Health and safety awareness

Community Participation

  • Understanding rights and responsibilities
  • Environmental and social awareness
  • Communication skills for community engagement
  • Active citizenship and participation

Health & Wellbeing

  • Self-regulation and emotional literacy
  • Physical wellbeing and healthy choices
  • Building resilience and self-confidence
  • Therapeutic progress and coping strategies

Questions About Our Cooking Therapy Curriculum?

Our team is happy to discuss how we adapt our therapeutic cooking programme for SEND learners, including sensory considerations and dietary accommodations.