Pupils at Temple Primary in Manchester are putting their cookery skills to the test, thanks to North West domestic appliance brands Belling and Lec. As part of an extensive building programme which has seen the flagship Open Futures school expand its in-take to three forms per year, the former staff room was turned into a brand new Cook It studio.
But the budget didn’t stretch to equipping the studio with appliances and so the school asked local businesses for support via REPIC, the not-for-profit company that helps electrical and electronic manufacturers to meet obligations under the WEEE Directive.
Denver Hewlett (pictured), the Chief Executive of Glen Dimplex Home Appliances which owns the Belling, Stoves and New World cooking brands and Lec refrigeration, was delighted to help and provided a cooker, hob, fridge freezer, extraction hoods, dishwasher and washing machine to fully kit out the studio.
Vicky Morton, headteacher at Temple Primary School, said: “The building works were completed in September last year but we were facing the possibility of not being able to use the studio as the school budget simply did not run to the appliances, so we are grateful that Belling was able to answer our appeal and help us with this project.
“Open Futures is all about linking learning with life skills, helping children develop practical skills, personal interests and values through education to enhance their adult lives. Previously we just had Baby Bellings in a few classrooms but now pupils right across the school are using the Cook It studio for topics linked to the maths and science curriculum. We are also running a Cook It club after school and at lunchtimes and will be offering parents the chance to come in and cook with the children as well – it’s a huge benefit to the whole school.”
Denver Hewlett said: “Cooking is something that offers great enjoyment to people of all ages as well as being a vital life skill. It is a huge thrill for us to see this next generation of cooks using some of our Belling and Lec appliances and to be given the chance to expand their education in ways they might otherwise not have the chance to. Temple Primary is a great example of a school that is working really hard to equip young people for their adult lives.”
Glen Dimplex Homes Appliances is a champion of the Made in Britain campaign and manufactures its Belling, Stoves and New World cooking appliances at its factory in Prescot, Merseyside.
