Creating a positive and inclusive lunchtime culture in primary schools is essential for the overall wellbeing of students. It plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among students, which in turn can lead to improved academic performance and mental health. One of the keyways to achieve this is through the involvement of the school council.
The school council is a group of students who are elected by their peers to represent
their views and concerns. They play an important role in shaping school policy and promoting positive behaviour among their classmates. When it comes to lunchtime culture, the school council can be instrumental in promoting inclusivity and kindness among students.
One way that the school council can do this is by encouraging students to sit with different
groups of people at lunchtime. This can help to break down social barriers and promote a sense of community among students. The council can also organise activities and games during lunchtime that encourage students to interact with one another in a fun and positive way.
Another important role of the school council is to promote healthy eating habits among
students. They can do this by working with the school's canteen staff to ensure that nutritious food options are available to students. They can also encourage students to try new foods and to eat a balanced diet.
In addition to these initiatives, the school council can also play a key role in promoting
kindness and empathy among students. They can organise events such as “Kindness Week” where students are encouraged to perform acts of kindness for one another. They can also work with the school’s pastoral care team to promote empathy and understanding among students.
In conclusion, creating a positive and inclusive lunchtime culture in primary schools is essential for the overall wellbeing of students. The school council plays a vital role in achieving this by promoting inclusivity, kindness, and healthy eating habits among students. By working together, the school council and school staff can create a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes positive behaviour and mental health among students.
To learn how to embed a 'pupil lead' lunchtime, check out our Better lunchtimes Mark here: schoolhealthuk.co.uk/schools
