Lunchtimes at Burstow are a vital and enjoyable part of the school day. We worked closely with our students to continuously improve this experience based on their feedback.
To help build independence and confidence, we stagger lunchtime sittings for each year group. Nursery and Reception have their own designated time, followed by Years 1 and 2 with a 15-minute gap, and then Years 3, 4, 5, and 6, each starting at 10-minute intervals.
Students are escorted to the hall by their teacher or a learning support assistant (LSA), where they collect their meals from a counter, making choices and speaking with staff as they do so. This encourages independence and communication, allowing children to develop their decision-making skills in a supportive environment.
All our meals are freshly prepared on-site by our dedicated catering team, and the menu is reviewed each term in consultation with the students. The School Parliament plays an active role in tasting and suggesting new recipes, sparking curiosity about food and the world around them.
We place great importance on encouraging good table manners, social skills, and gratitude. Our dedicated Midday Meal Supervisors, along with teachers and LSAs, create a caring and supportive lunchtime environment where respect is paramount. Many staff members join the children for lunch, not only to model positive behaviour but also to foster a sense of love and community. Lunchtime becomes an opportunity to nurture relationships, promote teamwork, and build collaboration. With the support of our attentive staff, children thrive in a happy, safe, and nurturing atmosphere where they feel valued and cared for.
Lunchtime playtime is either before or after individual year group lunch sittings. When outside, areas of the playground have different activities available each day throughout the week:
Main playground: craft/ construction/ outdoor puzzles/ music & dancing/ basket ball
Climbing frames
Tee pee/story telling area
Indoor lunchtime club for board games/puzzles
MUGA – sports area, for football
Please see below for our latest school lunch menu.