Transforming the dining room experience to support wellbeing, behaviour and learning
This course focuses on the dining room and mealtime experience for pupils. It explores how schools can create positive, inclusive and well-organised lunchtimes, that supports pupils' health, wellbeing and behaviour. It will examine the key factors influencing lunchtime culture, including environment, structure, staff roles and pupil voice, and how these align with wider whole-school priorities such as behaviour, personal development and safeguarding.
Details
Lunchtimes are a vital part of the school day and play a significant role in pupils' social development, wellbeing and readiness to learn. This training will support schools to reflect on their current lunchtime provision and identify opportunities to enhance the experience for all pupils, particularly those who may be more vulnerable or disengaged. The course draws on best practice and links to Ofsted expectations around behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and the importance of a consistent and supportive school environment. It will explore practical strategies to improve organisation, increase pupil engagement, promote healthy eating, and reduce incidents at lunchtime. Participants will consider how effective lunchtime provision can contribute to a calm, inclusive ethos across the school and support improved outcomes for pupils.
Outcome
By the end of the course, participants will: - Learn about low cost, no cost ways to improve the dining room environment. - Understand the key elements of effective lunchtime provision and their impact on behaviour, wellbeing and learning. - Be able to evaluate their current lunchtime practice using a whole-school approach and the Healthy Schools Framework. - Identify practical ways to enhance the lunchtime environment, structure and routines. - Recognise the importance of pupil voice in shaping positive lunchtime experiences. - Develop ideas to ensure lunchtimes support Ofsted priorities, including behaviour, personal development and a positive school culture.