Many of the opportunities we offer children at Rachel Keeling support independence. We recognise the importance of and invest in cooking with children most days. Children are supported to develop concentration, an understanding of measures, number and reading recipes. Problem solving and communication are fostered through small group cookery experiences as well as the enjoyment of sharing what we have made with our family and friends at school and home.
Syeda and Shamsad supported children with baking independently over three weeks. Children collaborated and tried out a few simple recipes, working in pairs. Children worked with their friends, sometimes more and less experienced children were paired together and then Syeda decided to step back altogether to see whether the children could really bake independently. 
Bluebell room was transformed and all that was missing was Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood!
Children followed the recipe, carefully reading, gathering and scooping the required ingredients. They had opportunities to repeat the process to master it and develop confidence and skill in creating their biscuits. iPads were added to the process to capture children's language for thinking as they worked. Even boxes were made to take their delicious creations home.
A deeply thought-out process, carefully planned and sensitively delivered to enable children to work at a level offered great challenge.

We welcomed back uncles, granddads, cousins, brothers, dads and friends (as well as mums!) for our positive role model morning in Nursery. Again, Nazma led a wonderful dance session and there was a chance of some freestyling which some family members really showed their true colours in!
It was a lovely morning to share achievements and involve the males in our childrens' lives in the learning and challenging experiences children have at Rachel Keeling. One family member was so excited about coming back to play and learn they arrived a day early!
"The learning is so carefully planned. The children are so lucky to have such thoughtful and exciting things to do" one Grandad commented.
We truly value the involvement of the community around Rachel Keeling and how this makes us the unique school we are.

At Rachel Keeling we celebrated World Book Day with a bedtime story. Children and staff came to school in their pyjamas with their favourite book. A wonderful range of books was celebrated: non-fiction, stories, rhymes, picture books and travel and cookery books. The children at Rachel Keeling have made particular progress in their reading and it showed. Some children are beginning to recognise simple words and most handle books beautiful. Pyjamas contributed to the enjoyment of the day and wellbeing of everyone. Work output does seem to have been affected by bed clothes though so we are glad it is only one day a year!
Our school visits to the local library will resume after the Easter break. Get reading!