Our children in Years 3 and 4 really enjoyed seeing their teachers going 'head to head' on the Curriculum Cooking Challenge and this was an exciting way not only to encourage them to cook [ and hopefully the message they gave their parents / carers will encourage more of them to cook with their children at home] but the workshop also passed on important messages about nutrition. The younger children in Years 1 and 2 equally enjoyed the Fitness and Food Workshops - a real bonus in the afternoon for all as it had been wet play for the whole of lunchtime.

I really enjoyed Darren's competition and I am going to try the recipes at home. - Yr 3 child That was fun and the smoothie was delicious - Yr 2 child

Darren is a true professional. His show is outstanding and communicates key information about health and nutrition whilst entertaining. He has visited our Academy on a number of occasions and is hugely popular with our students. His work is an important part of our PSHE programme.

Hi Darren

The children had a wonderful session-they were highly engaged, actively participating and enjoy learning about the benefits of health and fitness whilst devouring delicious smoothies. Many thanks for such an energetic and enlivening delivery!

On behalf of the school I'd like to thank you for the brilliant day that we had with you. The children haven't stopped talking about how they had a mini 'Ready Steady, Cook' session with you which was both very educational in terms of learning about healthy eating in addition to learning about how to cook great, tasty/healthy meals in short periods of time. The exciting and fun show, along with your clear passion for what you do engaged all of the children at all levels. Every child was able to talk about what they had learnt from the day. The younger children had a smashing time making fruit smoothies and considering the benefits to their bodies. We now can't wait for your return next year when you'll be working with our top juniors to cook a meal for a dinner party for the parents, staff and governors. You truly are an inspiration to young people and a champion for healthy living.

The unrivalled part of the show was smelling the food whilst it was being made. I enjoyed it when they brought out the team captains and they were teachers. It was unexpected and I loved how everybody got involved.

I like that the show was interactive and that we got to taste the food and that little children got to join in. The food was really nice and healthy. The one moment that really impressed me was when I got to go and see how the teams were doing and the smell of the food was really nice.

I liked it when we got to join in with the cooking, and the time limit made it exciting. It made us work even harder than we would have and we had the teachers joining in with the children.

I was bewildered by what you can make with a few ingredients and fifteen minutes. I didn't think they would be able to complete and serve the dish before the time ran out but fortunately both teams just about managed it. I adored this show and if you're like me and you love cooking, I strongly believe you will too.

I was one of the staff members who was lucky enough to be involved in the actual cooking segment of the Roots to Food assembly. It was so nice to share such a fun activity with my students and take part in the learning right along with them. I am always trying to make learning in my classroom as hands on as possible, and chef Darren did not disappoint in this regard! It was a unique and satisfying feeling to wipe our hands off on our aprons at the end of the cooking challenge and taste the dish that we made together - better yet that it was so delicious!