Background
With 470 pupils on roll from an ethnically diverse population, Surrey Square Junior and Infant School in Southwark, London wanted to make lunchtimes as enjoyable, active and inclusive for pupils as possible. The food on the plates was good, However, this was being let down by some of the dining logistics which were unsatisfactory. For example, pupils were split by infants and juniors and unable to sit together. It was also difficult to give pupils time and space to enjoy activities during the break. With a school merger on the way, this needed addressing.
Actions taken
In consultation with parents, and after having secured funding from the New Deal for Communities programme, the school implemented the following changes:
- built a purpose-designed pavilion housing a new kitchen and dining room, which provided more space and allowed pupils, of all ages, to sit together
- extended the lunch break by 15 minutes to give pupils time to participate in activities
- started the school day earlier to accommodate the lunch break extension
- staggered the dining times for pupils to ensure that they have the opportunity to participate in activities
- trained and then employed parents as members of the catering team and consulted them on menu design.
Outcomes
Pupils get one hour for lunch and a variety of activity areas have been installed in the playground including a raised stage area and creative wall, an activity cage and a pavilion roof and garden area.
Each year group has access to the activity cage for one lunchtime session every week, and good behaviour is rewarded, by year group, with an extra session. Other lunchtime activities and clubs run, throughout the week, and include art, sewing, Yourba, maths, Bangla, football, basketball, computers and music. Pupils are also allowed to use the nearby park area, with teacher supervision.
Parental involvement in the catering has contributed to the whole school approach, with parents feeling as though they have a vested interest in the quality of school food served. School business manager, Kelly Rowles, said:
“It’s been one of the best decisions that the school has ever taken to get the parents involved in the catering provision.”. The kitchen staff also feel more valued and integrated into the school staff team.
The school’s tips for success
- No aspiration or dream is too big. “When we first had the idea to build the Pavilion area we had no funding.”
- Try to build links with local businesses or funding organisations before approaching them for a grant.
- Set challenging timetables. “We’ve achieved so much in just a year.”
For more information on how Surrey Square Junior and Infant School improved their lunchtime provision please read the extended case study by clicking here:
www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/casestudies/surreysquareschool
Contact details
If you would like further information about this case study then please contact us on 0114 2996901or alternatively email the School Food Trust at info@childrensfoodtrust.org.uk
