§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of hours spent each week teaching food technology in years one to nine; and what proportion of that time involves practical cooking skills. [146346]
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§ Mr. Stephen TwiggNo estimate has been made of the amount of time schools spend on teaching food technology. Food technology is part of the design and technology curriculum, and, as with all subjects, it is for individual schools to plan their timetable. Schools allocate time to each subject to meet the needs of their pupils and to fulfil the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum. 'Designing and Timetabling the Primary Curriculum', published in 2002 by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and 'Designing the Key Stage 3 Curriculum', published by DfES in 2002 provide guidance for schools.
We are encouraging schools to undertake more practical cookery as part of our joint Food in Schools programme with the Department of Health.