Happy Lunchtimes

Happy Lunchtimes at Our School

Our Lunchtime Educators and Senior Leaders have worked with Steve Harris from Wellbeing Education to set our new Happy Lunchtimes and Playtimes Goals.

Together, we agreed that we will:

• 🌟 Use The Zone to provide a new activity every day.

• 🌟 Use a positive reward system to notice and reward great behaviour.

• 🌟 Show kindness and consideration when playing – “Of course you can” is the right answer when someone wants to join in.

• 🌟 Show good manners and table manners.

• 🌟 Have a quieter, more pleasant dining room.

By implementing these goals, we have achieved a Happy Lunchtimes Award!

Play — The Zone

A special area of the playground will be known as ‘The Zone’.
Each day a different activity will take place, chosen from a wide range designed to appeal to all styles of play.
This helps make every day feel special and gives children the chance to learn new games and make new friends.

An adult will select and lead the daily activity, ensuring that rules are clear and followed.

Rules for The Zone

• Equipment for each activity must stay within the designated area.

• Everyone is welcome to join in.

• Sometimes, children will help to organise or lead the activity. These children are called playground pals.

Our 1, 2, 3 Rewards

1. Pom-Poms
Adults can award pom-poms freely for positive behaviour during lunchtime.
Each class will collect their pom-poms in a  jar.
The winning class will be announced weekly in our Celebration Assembly and receive the Golden Lunchbox with a 10-minute class treat!

2. Certificates
Each adult will nominate a pupil for a special mention in Celebration Assembly.
Certificates will include the children’s name, the staff member’s name, and the reason for the award – wherever possible linked to our School Expectations, Learning Powers and our School Motto 'Love, Laugh and Learn'.

3. Golden Table
Once every half term, lunchtime Educators will nominate 8–10 children to eat at the Golden Table,  alongside one of the lunchtime Educators. 

Our 1, 2, 3 Sanctions

1. A Quiet Word
Used when a child behaves in an unwanted way, but unintentionally.
Adults will:

• Listen if the child wishes to explain.

• Stay calm and kind.

• Be clear about expectations.

• Leave the child with a smile.

2. Two-Minute Reflection and Apology
Used when expectations are clear, but the child chooses not to follow them.
Adults will explain what was unacceptable and invite the pupil to take two minutes of reflection, accompanied quietly by the adult.
The child will:

• Reflect on what happened,

• Apologise,

• Accept responsibility, and

• Show respect.

If the child is uncooperative, the reflection may increase to five minutes.

3. Red Line Behaviours
These include bullying, racism, violence, swearing, or outright defiance (such as refusing reflection).
The child will be referred to a senior member of staff.
After appropriate action, they will return to the lunchtime adult, complete a reflection, and apologise at the next available opportunity.

Our Lunchtime Educators

Our midday staff are known as Lunchtime Teachers — they play an active role in:

• Creating play opportunities,

• Celebrating positive behaviour, and

• Supporting children to resolve issues kindly and fairly.

Together, we’re creating a lunchtime that is happy, active, and respectful for everyone.