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Seasonal Cooking on a Budget (First Step)

Support your health and wellbeing while learning to cook affordably and confidently

This course is now full. 
You can use our enquiry form to register on our waiting list or request more information.

Please make the Learner Support Team aware of any dietary needs prior to the course start date.

Explore your physical and emotional wellbeing through cooking simple, healthy and cost-effective recipes in a calm, welcoming space.

Each week, you will prepare dishes like soups, stews and pastas. All designed to be cooked and enjoyed, using seasonal ingredients and budget-friendly shopping tips.

You will also learn how to:

  • shop smart at affordable supermarkets;
  • compare prices;
  • and make the most of your weekly food budget.

To help you feel more in control of your finances and your health, the course includes practical advice on:

  • meal planning;
  • portions;
  • and how to reduce food waste.

While cooking, you will also have time to connect with others in a supportive environment. These informal interactions help reduce feelings of isolation and offer space to share experiences, build confidence and develop positive routines.

You will:

  • Feel more freedom, independence and autonomy knowing you can eat well on a budget.
  • Gain confidence in the kitchen by preparing dishes like quiche, stir-fries and jacket potatoes with healthy toppings.
  • Learn how to shop smart at budget supermarkets and stretch your food spend.
  • Explore ways to lead a healthier lifestyle through everyday meals.
  • Reduce stress and increase focus by turning cooking into a creative and enjoyable activity.
  • Connect with others and reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation through shared meals and conversation.
  • Build positive routines by preparing food at the same time each week.
  • Take home recipes and tips to share with family and friends.

Course level

First Step

These courses are for complete beginners, where you can explore:

  • how to build your confidence;
  • connect with others;
  • and develop new skills to start achieving your goals.

Who this course is for

  • Residents of Calderdale aged 19 plus;
  • who want to improve their mental or physical health and wellbeing and learn how to live a happier lifestyle.

It is suitable for:

  • learners with learning disabilities who can work more independently;
  • and mainstream learners who prefer to work at a slightly slower pace to build confidence and consolidate their skills.

What you need to bring

  • A container to take the food home in.
  • You will use Google Classroom throughout your course to:
  • view work from your lessons;
  • receive messages from your tutor;
  • and access online resources.

You can get this on your smartphone, tablet or laptop/computer.

Your tutor will support you to log-in during your first lesson.

The Learner Support team is always on hand to help with any issues.

Health and wellbeing

Course information

Start date: 18th December 2025.
Time: 1pm to 3pm.
Day: Thursday.
Venue: Heath Campus.

Course length: 12 weeks.
Course code: EN00245.
Course level: First Step.

Fees

Full fee: £120.
Fee waiver available: Yes.
Additional costs: No.

Additional information

Learning delivery method

We have the skills, resources and dedication to help you access the learning you need to enrich your life.

Your course will be delivered by a highly qualified, experienced and knowledgeable tutor via:

  • The classroom, face-to-face teaching at Heath Campus or other venues in Calderdale.
  • Also, Google Classroom will be used to access:
    • electronic learning resources;
    • coursework set by your tutor;
    • collaborative work;
    • and online sessions, if needed.

What we expect from you

You must do various learning activities so we can make sure you are making the expected progress. This is because:

  • your course is funded in full or part by the Government via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority;
  • and all Calderdale Adult Learning (CAL) learning is subject to Ofsted inspection.

You may need to do extra work outside of session times to extend your learning or comprehension, where needed. Also, you are expected to be:

  • punctual;
  • attend regularly;
  • and show commitment to achieve successful completion of the course.

Important: You may lose your place, if:

  • your attendance drops below 88%;
  • or you do not attend three classes in a row and have not informed CAL.

How you will know if you are making progress

An Initial Assessment activity at the start of the course will enable your tutor to assess your starting point.

  • For non-accredited learning this will be completed using a set tutor assessment relevant to the subject area.
  • For accredited courses this requires learners to complete an assessment on the BKSB learning platform.

In every class we acknowledge and accommodate for different levels of skill and experience. This is so learners will be encouraged to identify and work on their own areas for improvement.

You will have a 'Learner Journey' with your tutor. Here, you will set the learning targets that you want to meet.

During the course, you will have the chance to:

  • discuss your progress with your tutor;
  • complete regular assessments;
  • and be given feedback, both verbal and written, on work that you produce.

Support for your progression and next steps

Please refer to:

  • the advice given to you by your course tutor towards the end of your course;
  • or speak to CAL's IAG Officer for information on how you can progress.

For our latest courses, see: Adult Learning.

If you need support in literacy, numeracy, IT or employability skills, please speak to your tutor in the first instance.

Information, advice and guidance

CAL Service has been awarded the matrix Standard, the national quality standard for organisations delivering IAG on learning and work.

We aim to help learners progress through their chosen course of study. Tutors, learning support staff and our IAG Officer can help you decide if a course is right for you. If it is not, we will aim to put you in touch with another provider.

For more detailed and specific careers advice, we work in partnership with the Education Development Trust.

You can also contact the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900. Their website is also an excellent source of information on careers, finding a job, courses and learning: National Careers Service.

Contact us

Calderdale Adult Learning:

Address:

  • Heath Campus, Unit 4, Free School Lane, Halifax. HX1 2PS.

Phone:

Email:

Office hours:

  • Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm.
  • Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

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