Our Lunchtime Support

Lunchtimes at Lonesome are an important part of the day for our children. It is a time to socialise and play a variety of games. We want our children to play a part in the set up of our lunchtimes and this is why we introduced our PALS (Playground Activity Leaders).

Our Playground Leaders

Iyla, Omaya, Abigail, Ivy, Faith, Kimani, Connor, Benaiah and Igor

Our Year 6 Playground Peacemakers are trained peer mediators who help make our playground a happy, safe and inclusive place for everyone. They support other children in resolving disagreements peacefully by listening, encouraging respectful communication and helping children find fair solutions together. Our Peacemakers are fantastic role models who demonstrate kindness, empathy and our belief that strength lies in differences

Aims

There are opportunities for the young playground leaders to:

• Develop leadership skills such as - organisation, communication and teamwork
• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Be responsible for leading their peers and groups of younger children
• Increase the variety of play experiences available for the children promoting physical, social and creative opportunities
• Improve children's choices and positive behaviours on the playground
• Reflect and evaluate on what is working and areas for further development

Our PALs will continue to build upon introducing a range of organised games for the children to experience in the Early Years, KS1 and KS2 playgrounds. Resources have been purchased to target play outside to include arts and crafts, games and puzzles, reading as well as the more traditional active play involving our trim trail. We continue to review and reflect upon how successful playtimes are outside and the positive experiences that they bring for all children.

Time for a change - the BeDifferent way!

Last year, the BeDifferent Federation launched our BeFed Differently lunches for all of our children. Instead of lunches provided by a contract caterer, our kitchen teams prepare lunches freshly made at school every day, designed to include the feedback from the children and families. This has been a real success across all three schools within our Federation and we have noticed a significant increase in the number of children eating school lunches across our school.

Every child is invited to choose a delicious hot lunch from our exciting new menu. They are able to see the food and select what they want to eat - there is always two choices, including a vegetarian option, a jacket potato with various fillings and unlimited salad from the salad bar. Mondays will be meat-free, with vegan options for children to explore and they will have a choice of healthy dessert, fruit and yoghurt or they can opt for cheese and biscuits.

We are happy to share the menu for the first three weeks of the autumn term. The menu will change regularly and there will be themed days organised around the curriculum. Each meal will cost £2.20.

Last year, we invited some of our families in to sample some of the lunches and we had some really positive feedback. We will of course continue to arrange opportunities for our families to come in and have lunch with their children and to sample the food on offer. Please do join us in the near future.

Dietary requirements and allergens

Individual menus are devised for those children with particular allergies or dietary requirements. Please speak with the office if your child has an allergy to request a special diet form to be completed and returned. It is extremely important that you inform the school office of any allergies/intolerances that your child has should you wish for them to eat a school meal. We welcome all children with allergies/intolerances and providing we deem it safe to do so, an appropriate meal can be provided daily in line with our internal policies and procedures.

Children's Lunchtime Timetable

Year group	Lunchtimes
Einstein and Columbus	11.30am - 12.30pm
Livingstone	11.35am - 12.35pm
Ennis	11.50am - 12.35pm
Livingstone	12.00pm - 12.45pm
Palin	12.10pm - 12.55pm
Wonder	12.20pm - 1.05pm
Da Vinci	12.30pm - 1.15pm
Pankhurst and Mandela	12.40pm - 1.25pm
Roots and Wilberforce	12.50pm - 1.35pm
Milne	12.40pm - 1.25pm
Lincoln	12.30pm - 1.15pm

Our Midday Supervisory Team