At Fundamentals Early Learning Centre, we believe learning happens best when children are hands-on, engaged, and having fun — and our cooking program is the perfect recipe for just that!

From cracking eggs to kneading dough, cooking offers rich opportunities for development across all learning areas. Through our regular cooking experiences, children build confidence, life skills, and a love of healthy food — all while wearing their own little chef aprons and hats!

‍ Our Fundamentals Cooking Program

At Fundamentals, cooking is more than just a one-off experience — it’s embedded into our curriculum.

We offer:

• Regular cooking lessons across all age groups
• Opportunities to cook alongside our Centre Chef
• Hands-on experiences using real ingredients and homegrown produce
• Cooking activities both in the kitchen and classroom
• The chance to become mini-chefs, proudly wearing aprons and hats

Our cooking program is designed to be fun, inclusive, and educational, giving every child the chance to be actively involved in the process — from choosing a recipe to tasting the final creation!

 More Than Just Fun: The Learning Benefits

Cooking in the early years fosters growth in many key developmental areas, including:

 Fundamental Kitchen Skills

Children learn how to:

• Stir, whisk, roll, knead, and pour
• Use kitchen scales and measuring cups
• Understand food safety and hygiene rules
• Recognise and name utensils, tools, and ingredients

These are life-long skills that set the foundation for confident and safe food preparation.

 Mathematical Thinking

Cooking introduces important mathematical concepts in a meaningful way:

• Measuring and weighing ingredients
• Counting scoops and spoonfuls
• Understanding quantities, size, and proportions

Children learn to connect numeracy to real-life contexts in a fun and practical setting.

 Language and Comprehension

Each cooking experience introduces:

• New vocabulary around pantry staples, fresh produce, utensils, and techniques
• Opportunities to follow visual recipes and instructions
• Conversations that develop listening, questioning, and sequencing skills

Children begin to understand how to communicate, comprehend, and express ideas confidently — essential skills for future literacy.

 Healthy Habits and Joyful Eating

Cooking with children promotes:

• A love and appreciation for fresh, nutritious food
• Willingness to try new flavours and textures
• Understanding of where food comes from, especially when using our own homegrown herbs and vegetables from the centre garden

Cooking builds positive food associations and supports children in making healthy lifestyle choices from an early age.

‍ A Unique Opportunity at Fundamentals

Not all children get the chance to explore the kitchen at home — but at Fundamentals, we make sure every child can be involved.

With support from our educators and Centre Chef, children:

• Feel a sense of pride and independence in what they’ve made
• Build confidence through responsibility
• Enjoy collaborating with peers and celebrating shared achievements
• Use herbs and veggies grown right here in our garden, learning about sustainability and seasonal produce

Cooking days are always a highlight of the week, with lots of smiles, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.

 Recipes, Routines, and Relationships

Whether your child is making mini pizzas, fruit salad, or bread from scratch, they’re developing fine motor skills, cognitive reasoning, and a stronger connection to food. It’s a full sensory experience — seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, and hearing — all contributing to holistic development.

And most importantly, cooking brings joy. It’s an experience of belonging, sharing, and celebration, and something we’re proud to offer every child at Fundamentals Early Learning Centre.

Want to try some of our recipes at home?
Ask your child’s educator or check out our Fundamentals Cookbook, filled with child-friendly favourites and healthy ideas from our centre kitchen.

Would you like to download a free copy here- click on this link to read more. 

We are currently working on volume  2 of our centres cookbook, which is jam packed with delicious recipes including gluten, egg and nut free- lots of recipes your little ones are bound to enjoy.

At Fundamentals, we’re not just raising little learners — we’re raising confident, capable, and curious little chefs too!