Before School Health UK introduced the Better Lunchtimes Project at Kingswood Primary School, lunchtimes were far from ideal.
Wendy, the headteacher, explains, "We struggled with poor timing, long queues, overcrowding in the playground, and ineffective staffing." Lunchtime staff were placed in roles that didn’t optimise their skills, and the playground lacked structure, leading to disorganised play and behaviour issues.
After the project, dramatic improvements were made. "We implemented set sittings for year groups and assigned tables, making the dining experience far more organised. The introduction of 'Bistro Buddies' added structure, allowing older students to assist the younger ones during mealtimes," says Wendy.
Zoning the playground also played a major role in reducing overcrowding and ensuring that children were engaging in structured, safe activities, with clear supervision from staff who now felt more empowered in their roles.
The changes have resulted in happier children and staff. Behavioural issues have significantly decreased, and children are enjoying their lunchtimes more than ever before. "The rapid improvements we’ve seen are thanks to the excellent guidance and advice from School Health UK. They provided a lot of information in a very clear and actionable way, allowing us to reorganise lunchtimes efficiently," Wendy reflects.
Overall, the Better Lunchtimes Project has transformed Kingswood Primary’s approach to lunchtimes, with Wendy and her team now able to provide a calm, organised environment where both children and staff thrive. When asked if she would recommend School Health UK, Wendy's answer was a confident "Yes!"
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