A simple change to the school day is delivering positive results for students at St Joseph’s Primary School, Denman.
This year, the school introduced a “play first, eat later” approach to lunch breaks, with students heading out to play before sitting down to eat. The change may seem small, but staff have noticed a significant impact on student wellbeing and learning.
Principal and teachers at St Joseph’s say students are returning to the classroom calmer, more settled and ready to engage in learning after having the opportunity to expend energy and socialise with friends before eating.
The initiative was introduced as part of St Joseph’s ongoing commitment to supporting student wellbeing and creating the best possible environment for learning. By allowing students to play first, children can fully engage in physical activity without rushing through their meals, before taking time to refuel and recharge ahead of the next learning session.
Teachers have observed improved focus and concentration in the classroom, with students returning from breaks ready to learn. The approach has also encouraged students to eat more of their lunch, helping ensure they have the energy needed for a productive lesson.
