Our Lunchtime

Our Midday Supervisory Team

At Singlegate Primary School we have a large group of experienced and enthusiastic Midday Supervisors, many of whom have worked with us for a number of years now. Recent appointments have successfully secured new members of staff to the team and they're keen to establish relationships with the children and consider different ways to engage them in play during the lunchtime play.

Lunchtimes are undoubtedly an important part of a child's day. It is where enjoyment and exercise are available, friendships are made and lessons of resolving conflict are learnt and there is a lot of freedom. If children come in from playtime feeling happy and ready to learn, their day will be a more productive one. We believe that when children are happy, when they are occupied and engaged in play.

Our Midday Supervisors work together in partnership with the Year Six Playground Activity Leaders to plan a variety of active and quiet playground games for all to enjoy. Playground activity folders have been created and are regularly updated with the ideas of new and exciting games and activities for the children to enjoy together - many of which come directly from the children.

Playground Activity Leaders

This term will see the reintroduction of our weekly playground initiative P.A.L.S (Playground Activities Leaders) at lunchtime. This is an introduction into leadership, giving children knowledge of how to organise and lead small games and activities for their peers in both the Key Stage One and Two playgrounds.

Aims:

There are opportunities for the young playground leaders to:

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
Develop leadership skills such as - organisation, communication and teamwork

This initiative was established a few years ago and has seen children enjoy stepping up and leading play to younger children. They have planned weekly activities that include arts and crafts, loom bands, tag rugby competitions and much more. Additional resources have been purchased for the children to include and members of the staff team will be identified by the children to target play outside to include arts and crafts, games and puzzles, reading zone 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. We hope to re-open our lunchtime nurture room, Calm Camden, for children who want a quiet, adult supported lunchtime soon.

Our P.A.L.S job description and application form has been reviewed and will be circulated to the children in Year Six at the beginning of term for those interested in being involved in this leadership role. The successful candidates will then be invited to meet with Mrs Hart to talk about what the role will include and the expectations of them moving forward. The children understand the responsibilities that come with the role and take it very seriously. It is an excellent forerunner to young leaders and other young citizenship awards in the future.

Time for a change - the BeDifferent way!

Our BeFedDifferently lunches are available for all of our children this academic year. Instead of lunches provided by a contract caterer, our kitchen teams will prepare lunches freshly made at school every day, designed to include the feedback from the children and families.

Every child will be invited to choose a delicious hot lunch from our exciting new menu. They will be able to see the food and select what they want to eat - there will always be 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. Each meal will cost £2.20 and the menu will be accessible on the website.

We are most excited to be embarking on a period of change in our kitchens and know that the quality of food that children will enjoy will be second to none. The menu will change regularly and there will be themed days organised around the curriculum. Please do talk with your child/ren about their overall lunchtime experience, as we would love to hear from you with the feedback of what's working well and where improvements can be made.

Children's Lunchtime Timetable

Year group	Time
Early Years Foundation Stage	11.20 am - 12.20 pm
Years One and Two	11.40 am - 12.25 pm
Years Five and Six	12.15 pm - 1.00 pm
Years Three and Four	12.50 pm - 1.35 pm