Designed and run by our Paediatric Occupational Therapy team, Cook, Create, Connect is an 11-week school term program that blends therapy with real-life cooking skills in a safe, fun and engaging environment. Children build confidence, independence, sensory tolerance and social-communication — all through cooking, creativity and connection.

Every Thursday after school @ the NEW Warriewood Community Centre:
> Primary School Group = 3:30pm - 5:00pm
> High School Group = 5:15pm - 6:45pm

Program Inclusions:
> 90 minutes/week of Occupational Therapy-led cooking sessions across the Term
> Professional program planning hours from our team weekly for individualised group support
> Developmental reflection report on program completion
> Complimentary Ticket to Food, Function & Regulation Parent Information Evening
> Health-conscious food, organic ingredients (wherever possible), and equipment provided
> Afternoon tea and weekly cooked food provided
> Each participant receives a take-home pack with items for home, including a personalised apron
> Small group ratio (1:3 )with age and ability-driven sub-groups
> Take-home therapist-designed visual recipe cards
> Certificate of participation

Program Outcomes:
> Develop independence in everyday activities (ADLs) through practical cooking experiences that build confidence, responsibility, and self-care routines.
> Enhance fine-motor and bilateral coordination skills needed for tool use, handwriting, and other daily functional tasks.
> Strengthen executive functioning skills such as planning, sequencing, problem-solving, attention, and working memory while following multi-step recipes.
> Support sensory processing and self-regulation, helping children explore new textures, smells, and tastes in a positive and supported environment.
> Improve social participation and communication skills through teamwork, turn-taking,
and group collaboration - promoting confidence and connection with peers.