Former full-time at Chuter Ede Primary School, Balderton started working full-time for the Cook Stars franchise having funded Cook Stars Bingham to Hykeham.

A primary school teacher of 15 years has quit her job to start a cooking class business for youngsters.

Jessica Mitchell, mother of two and a former full-time at Chuter Ede Primary School, Balderton started working full-time for the Cook Stars franchise in June this year.

She funded Cook Stars Bingham to Hykeham as she felt the need for a chance and believes that learning to cook is more than an essential life skill but a vehicle for other learning.

“This is the biggest risk I ever taken in my life, apart from having children.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, leaving my job and dedicating to cooking full time because everything was always planned, I studied, graduated, did my teaching training and then I was a teacher.

“I think I have been wanting a change for quite a while, I just didn’t know what that change would be or what I needed to be until last year.”

She teaches children from the age of two to the age of 17 in different cooking classes, going to different schools, birthday parties and hosting themed and seasonal workshops.

The school cooking classes range from Cook Stars Minis (aged two to five), Cook Stars Juniors (aged five to 11) and Academy classes (11 to 17).

Following her passion for cooking, a year ago, Jessica made her own Advent calendar with twist throughout December.

She was freshly baking and distributing it to deserving good causes including care homes, midwives and public services while fundraising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Jessica has worked for five years in the food and hospitality industry while she was studying for her degree.

She believes that cooking builds independence, resilience and confidence.

In the session children are able to expand their vocabulary, build fine motor skills, observe how substances combine and chance, count, weigh, measure, explore and learn about healthy eating.

“I have two young children myself, Eliza who is five and Bertie who is three,” said Jessica.

People who wish to take part in the cooking classes can book them at https://urlis.net/tks9xgmx.

She added: “We love cooking at home and getting them involved in making new food has always helped with encouraging them to try new tastes.

“I'd love to help you and your children on their cooking journey with much of the stress removed.”