'Fantastic' cooking classes for SEND children

The classes were targeted at children aged between five and 13

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have taken part in a series of "fantastic" cooking classes.

Five sessions funded by Local Alliance Groups (LAG) were held for children aged between five and 13 in Ferndown, Dorset.

During the sessions, children had the chance to make afternoon tea, pizzas, and cupcakes.

Clare Sutton, Dorset Council's cabinet member for children's services, said the classes were "a fantastic example of a community-led program making a real difference".

"The dedication shown by everyone involved, and the joy it brings to children and their families, is great to see," she said.

Dorset Council said the sessions were introduced to address a gap in holiday activities for children aged between five and 12.

The programme not only benefitted children - who were given aprons, chefs hats and bowls to take home to encourage them to keep cooking outside of the sessions - but also the parents.

Dorset Council said it provided "valuable" social opportunities - particularly important for parents of children with additional needs.

The authority said it had received positive feedback about the sessions, with one parent saying: "It's so lovely to see my child so engaged in this activity and look forward to the school holidays so we can come back."