Cooking is more than learning to make a meal—it’s an essential life skill that fosters independence, creativity, and confidence.

Our Little Chefs Program introduces children to the joy of cooking through hands-on learning, helping them develop healthy habits and foundational skills for lifelong wellness. Guided by our Montessori philosophy, this unique program encourages curiosity, independence, and an appreciation for fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Why Choose Our Montessori Cooking Program

Our Little Chefs Program is rooted in Montessori principles, allowing children to explore cooking at their own pace. Each session is thoughtfully designed to integrate learning across subjects such as early maths, science, motor skills, and language development.

Open to children aged 3 to 6 as part of our Government-Approved Montessori Kindergarten, the program aligns with Inspire ELJ’s commitment to nurturing independence and curiosity. From washing and chopping to mixing and tasting, children learn by doing in a supportive, self-paced, engaging environment.

The Program Includes

Our Montessori cooking for toddlers and young children is designed to be both educational and fun, incorporating some of the following activities and lessons:

  • Age-appropriate recipes
  • Lessons in kitchen safety, hygiene, and food preparation
  • Activities that promote healthy eating habits and new food experiences
  • Opportunities to explore cultural cuisine and seasonal foods
  • Child-led sessions that align with Montessori values, encouraging independence and creativity.

Who Is It For?

Our Little Chefs Cooking Program is tailored for toddlers and children aged 3 to 6 years. These sessions are ideal for kids who love sensory play, enjoy working with their hands, or are curious about food.

From toddlers discovering new textures to preschoolers learning to measure and follow recipes, each session builds on your child’s developmental needs. The program also helps picky eaters develop more exploratory tastes by involving them early in food preparation.

The Benefits of Cooking with Children in Childcare

Cooking experiences in childcare provide valuable opportunities for hands-on, practical learning, creative thinking and motor skills development. 

Some of the benefits of cooking with children in childcare​ are:

  • Cognitive Development – Cooking introduces early maths and scientific concepts, from counting ingredients to observing how heat transforms food. Following recipes helps children strengthen decision-making and fine motor skills and develop focus.
  • Healthy Eating Habits – Kids are likelier to try new foods when they help prepare them. Cooking with fresh ingredients builds their understanding of nutrition and encourages healthy food choices and a positive relationship with food.
  • Sensory Exploration – Cooking encourages children to engage all their senses—feeling, smelling, tasting, and observing—helping to enhance sensory processing and creativity.
  • Social Skills and Cooperation – Cooking with peers encourages teamwork and communication as children take turns, share tools, and collaborate on recipes.
  • Cultural Awareness – Exploring cuisines from different cultures introduces children to new flavours and traditions, fostering appreciation for diversity.

Little Chef Cooking Activities

Some of the cooking experiences and activities your child will enjoy in the program include:

  • Fruit Skewer Fun: Building colourful fruit skewers while learning about healthy snacks.
  • Homemade Mini Pizzas: Choosing toppings and assembling pizzas for individual creativity.
  • Bread Baking: Measuring and kneading dough to develop fine motor skills.
  • International Food Days: Trying foods from different cultures, turning cooking into a fun and learning experience.

Where is our Little Chef Cooking Program Available?

The Little Chefs program is offered across all Inspire ELJ campuses in Melbourne, giving children access to enriching culinary experiences wherever they are. Two of our most popular locations, the Cranbourne and Rowville campuses, are home to thriving Montessori cooking programs for toddlers and young learners.

Enroll Your Little Chef Today!

Are you ready to inspire your child’s love for cooking? Book a tour at one of our Inspire ELJ campuses to see how the Little Chefs Program enriches their early learning journey.
Explore Our Facilities here and contact us to enrol your little chef today!