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Lunchtimes

We work hard to provide a positive experience for our children at lunchtime. We recognise that lunchtime is a very important part of the day – physically, socially and emotionally.

In the lunch hall, our Lunchtime Supervisors encourage children to eat and drink healthily and to try new foods. We strive to create a relaxed and sociable feel within our Lunch Hall with pretty table cloths, jugs of water and cutlery holders. Children are encouraged to chat to their friends and have an allocated period of time within which to be seated. 

We have our own in-house catering team who cook healthy and nutritious school lunches freshly from scratch every day. The Kitchen at John Hellins offers three meal choices every day - a main option, vegetarian option and a light bite. Our menu is varied, balanced and fun, and includes our healthy John Hellins take on some of the well known fast foods. Meals are carefully designed with a range of dietary requirements in mind and we offer a vegan option almost every day. All meals are accompanied by a range of freshly prepared salads and fresh bread sourced from a local bakery. Ordering is simple via Parentpay and must be done by midnight on the Wednesday for the following week

Whilst we strongly recommend that pupils have a school lunch (currently all lunches are free for children in Reception, Year 1 and 2), if you do wish to provide a healthy packed lunch then this is fine too. We ask that packed lunches do not contain any sweets and recommend that they contain at least one piece of fruit or vegetable. We provide water for all children and ask that no other drinks are consumed at lunchtimes.

Outside, we have a range of toys and equipment to facilitate exercise, social interaction and fun! Examples include tennis, den building, ball games, giant board games and giant limbo.  We have dedicated play leaders who organise different sports and games each day and sometimes have external sports coaches in to organise extra games and sports. We also hold indoor lunchtime clubs where children can take part in activities such as loom bands, colouring or Lego.