Young chefs from Poulton School take over kitchens at Blackpool and Fylde College

Pupils from Baines High in Poulton swapped their school kitchen for the prestigious Level Six Restaurant at Blackpool and the Fylde College.

Working from scratch, the pupils prepared, cooked and served up a three course meal to 30 invited diners.

The event was part of the college’s new Young Chefs course.

Catering lecturer Jordan Kehoe, visited Baines School last year to work with Year 10 hospitality and catering students and was so impressed with the skills and attitude of the students that he and Daniel Grundy, his counterpart at the school, decided to set up a Young Chefs course to build on the skills of the budding cooks.

The restaurant takeover followed 18 weeks of work by the youngsters. Jordan said: “Having the opportunity to work alongside these students and help develop their skills week in week out has been a real pleasure.

“Their enthusiasm along with creative flare and passion for a challenge is a true testament to their character.”

Baines headteacher Alison Chapman added: “What an evening to be proud of, the food was absolutely delicious and well-presented and the students demonstrated excellent serving skills.

“To be able to cook, plate and serve a three-course meal to over 30 guests under such time-pressures was just excellent.”

Daniel Grundy added that they were already planning fort he next group of young chefs and said: " This course enhances students, life skills and gives an insight into the hospitality and catering sector.

"It has been a fantastic experience for the students to gain a real-life experience of running a restaurant and preparing food under the time pressures required when running a restaurant.

We are pleased that many of our students are planning on extending their skills further and hope for a career in the catering industry after they complete their qualifications at school."