 As part of Hyde's Specialist School Community Plan, there has been a focus on developing work across the community through the medium of food. The community class in Asian cookery is attended by 15 adult learners. The school works with Sure Start and Barnardos who provide a creche so that adults can attend the course. The Children's centre is run by Sure Start and while they encourage certain families to become involved, it is open to anyone. The community liaison officer is Atia Azam, Gail Elms runs the Healthy Eating Group, a family group where the youngest member is 21/2 and the eldest is a grandmother. Health & Social Care students from the school work one to one with children at the centre, recently they taught preschool children to make Chicken Fajitas.
The commitment to the community also includes work with 15 Primary School children who attend Food classes and Hyde hosts the Food Partnership Programme which trains Primary Teachers as well as the Local Authority Catering Team, which involves a range of activities including running competitions for catering managers.
Learn from those who have joined and benefited from the Hyde Children's Centre
Hi! My names Elisha Kay and I am a normal (if you can call it that), mum of 6 (yes 6!) who has achieved so much since starting the courses available to Children's Centres families in conjunction with Hyde Technology School. Before starting on these courses it is fair to say I was low on confidence and low on self esteem having spent a number of years being just a "mum".
Before I waffle about me, the crèche, which looks after children, is second to none and my children who have attended (and still do) absolutely love it. I initially started the woodcraft course and it's fair to say I am really proud of the items I made - a picture frame, clock, jigsaw and wooden toy - all of which have drawn admiring comments from family and friends!!!
The cookery courses (both world cookery and Indian cookery), opened my eyes to the fact that there is more to life than "Chicken Tonight" and frozen pizza - so much so in fact, I won a big competition in the summer and trained with the top chefs at the Chancellors Hotel in Manchester, and ended up being Head Chef in charge of a 7-course Champagne banquet for 60 guests - including 12 of my family and friends (this would never have happened if the courses hadn't have given me the boost in confidence I really needed). My youngest two children are also "graduates" of the world cookery class and it is one of their high spots of the week!
Finally, I have done the ICT (computer) course and its air to say I have come on leaps and bounds - from someone who didn't even know how to turn a computer on I am a bit of a technical whizz now and have passed Bronze Ingots 1,2 & 3 and am currently studying for my Silver Ingot level.
I cannot write about Hyde Technology School without without mentioning a very special person there. Without this person these courses would not exist. Gail Elms (Assistant Headteacher) believes in Children's Centres and what they stand for - she makes sure all the participants needs are met and is the driving force behind what these courses aim for and what they strive to achieve. With her help, encouragement and support I have gone back to college myself and have almost completed my training as a Teaching Assistant and intend to take my training to the higher level in the coming year. The school has recently nominated me for an "Outstanding Adult Achievement Award", which could mean a trip to the QE2 Conference Centre in London in May (fingers crossed!).
I can only say to the mums out there who are a bit apprehensive, lacking in confidence or think that it is beyond them to give the new courses a go - they really will feel much better in themselves! IF I CAN DO IT THEN ANYONE CAN!!!
By Elisha Kay
Other members of the Wednesday Cookery Class who attended Hyde Technology School had commented;
"...Even as a senior citizen, I feel I am never too old to learn new skills, and meet new people".
"...The food i lovely and I always enjoy coming along as everyone is so friendly. You can have a great time, a laugh, learn some skills and take something home for tea! Real value!"
"...It is a good place to meet other people and you learn a lot of new skills".
"...Everyone is friendly. I am from out of the area and felt very welcome".
"...You are never too old to learn new skills and its "fun" and you can teach an old dog new tricks!"
"...The healthy cookery course gives our family the opportunity to do something three generations can all enjoy!"
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