Super Smash Burger Making
FREE funded session specifically designed for Neurodivergent children and young people aged 18 and under.
An accompanying adult attends free of charge and must remain throughout the session.
Get ready to press, sizzle, and devour. This smash burger class is all about turning simple ingredients into outrageously delicious magic. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn why smashing isn’t just allowed… it’s essential. We’ll cover the science behind that crispy, caramelized crust, how to choose the perfect beef blend, and the timing tricks that separate a good burger from a “where have you been all my life” burger.
What to Expect
Master the smash technique (yes, there’s a right way to do it).
Build edge-to-edge crust with maximum flavor and zero fuss.
Toast buns like a pro for that golden, buttery bite.
Layer classic and creative toppings without losing the burger’s star power.
Make a signature sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
Smash Burger
More Than Just a Burger
While having fun, learners will also be developing key skills:
Motor skills through smashing and assembly.
Creativity & confidence by making their own signature sauce.
Life skills including kitchen safety and food hygiene.
Communication & listening by following step-by-step instructions
Class includes:
1 x single smash burger per child.
Soft drinks throughout the session.
Free entry for accompanying adult (we do not offer drop off sessions).
Free hot drink or soft drink for accompanying adult.
Adults hungry too? Add your own burger to the class for an extra £8.
(just drop us a message on the booking form).
Expect the sound of spatulas scraping, the smell of sizzling beef, and plenty of taste-testing along the way. It’s fast, a little messy, wildly satisfying and designed so you can recreate the experience at home any night of the week.
Come hungry. Leave confident. Possibly ruin all other burgers for yourself forever.
FAQ’s
Who can attend?
These sessions are for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities aged 18 and under.
We keep our sessions small, with no more than 12 participating children, to create a calmer and more supportive environment.
Does a parent or carer need to stay?
Yes. Accompanying adult must remain with their child throughout the session and is responsible for their supervision.
Adults are not required to join in though and are invited to relax, have a drink and enjoy the space.
One accompanying adult attends free of charge.
Can siblings attend?
These Short Breaks sessions are specifically designed to remain small group for children and young people with SEND. Keeping the group size manageable is essential to making the session accessible for those attending.
As parents ourselves, we understand that arranging childcare can sometimes be difficult. We also run our usual Mini Slims sessions, which are open for all children to book and can be found on the main menu page of our website.
These Short Breaks sessions are intentionally kept to small group sizes, and fewer people, so that children and young people with SEND can feel comfortable and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
If every participating child brought a sibling and an additional adult, the number of people on site could potentially rise to around 40. This would significantly change the environment and may make the session unsuitable or overwhelming for some participants.
We also offer dedicated young carer sessions for children and young people who help care for or support a family member with a disability. These sessions are designed with the young carer in mind, giving them their own special time to relax, have fun, learn new skills and enjoy an experience focused entirely on them.
Please see our main menu for details of all our classes, including our Young Carer sessions.
Thank you for helping us protect the small-group environment these sessions are designed to provide.
The Slim Ricks Team
What refreshments are available?
Complimentary tea and coffee are available for accompanying adults. Fruit juice and water are provided for the participating children and young people also.
What time should we arrive?
Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before the advertised start time.
This gives us time to finish preparing the session and helps avoid children having to wait for a long period before the activity begins.
We allow enough time for children to settle and to introduce each other and ourselves.
Is parking available?
Allocated parking is available close to the back entrance of Slim Ricks BBQ School.
Are accessible toilets available?
Accessible toilets are available inside Scott’s of Southend Garden Centre, less than a one-minute walk from the cooking school.
What should my child wear?
Aprons will be provided, but burger making can sometimes be a little messy. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting a little sauce or food on.
Please let us know in advance about any clothing, sensory or accessibility needs.
Does my child have to eat the burger?
No. There is no pressure to taste or eat anything during the session.
Children and young people can make their burger and take it home to eat later or share with someone else.
What if my child does not want to join in?
Children and young people are welcome to take part at their own pace. There is no pressure to complete every activity or copy the instructor’s burger. We also provide tables positioned further away for anyone who needs their own space.
Accompanying adult can support their child in the way that works best for them.
Can you accommodate allergies?
Yes, we can provide alternative ingredients such as gluten free, dairy free etc. Please provide full details of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking so that we can ensure we have the right supplies for your visit.
Although we will do our best to support individual needs, our setting handles common allergens and we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, however alternative ingredients for your class can be supplied if we have the correct booking info and notice.
What happens if we can no longer attend?
Please let us know as soon as possible so that the funded space can be offered to another family.
Because spaces are limited and ingredients are purchased and prepared in advance, repeated failure to attend without informing us may affect access to future free sessions