A former teacher has opened a new children's cooking school in Chester.

Owned by Francesca Sykes, who brings years of teaching to the role, Cook Stars Chester provides young people with hands-on classes designed to build independence, creativity, and practical life skills.

"I've always loved cooking and seeing children discover that same joy," Francesca told Nub News. Her passion for teaching began at a young age, inspired by her 'Nana', who first encouraged her love of cooking.

Those early experiences showed Francesca how children learn by experimenting with food - a philosophy she now brings to every Cook Stars class. Part of the wider Cook Stars group, the programme combines a food awareness with practical skills and social development.

Children follow recipes, adjust flavours, and practice hygiene - gaining confidence and independence whilst trying new foods.

With sessions kept intentionally small, children are granted guidance and space to learn at their own pace. This also allows them to share equipment, work together, and communicate naturally in a relaxed environment.

With sessions kept intentionally small, children are granted guidance and space to learn at their own pace (Image supplied)

Francesca is also committed to helping children develop a healthy understanding of food. Highlighting the importance of food education, she said: "A lot of kids now often don't even really know where food comes from.

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"We want children to understand the different types of food they're consuming and understand things like moderation."

Beyond teaching practical skills, the classes are designed to encourage social interaction and teamwork.

"Food is something that can really bring community in a way that a lot of other things can't, " she added. "They're interacting with each other in a really natural way, where perhaps it doesn't feel as pressured or forced as it might in somewhere like school."

Cook Stars Chester currently runs classes for children aged two to 11, with plans to introduce more advanced "academy" sessions for older children. Younger children, referred to as "minis and juniors," follow recipes with support, whilst older children will use hobs and ovens under supervision to develop more advanced cooking skills.

The hope for the classes, Francesca explained, is that children develop a love of cooking that lasts - having developed experiences that extend beyond the kitchen.

She added: "We want children to have the opportunity to build skills for life. My dream is that Cook Stars Chester will grow into a meaningful community.

"I want children to be able to take their experiences from Cook Stars into their future, with an increased skillset, sense of achievement, healthy relationships with food and increased confidence."

You can find out more about Cook Stars Chester here.

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