we actually pulled it off and the school is officially extending our kids lunch time so they arent rushing through their meals anymore. i cant thank you enough for backing this because they finally listened to us. im going to keep an eye on things to make sure the change …
December 7, 2023
Final supporters
Subject: Concerns Regarding Insufficient Lunchtime Eating Duration
Dear Miss Warren,
We, a collective group of parents of students at Mossbourne Community Academy, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the lunchtime eating duration for our children.
While we appreciate the school's efforts in managing a 55-minute lunch break, it has become apparent that the actual time available for students to sit and consume their meals is significantly less, often less than 10 minutes. This constraint not only challenges their ability to have a nourishing meal but also imposes undue stress, adversely affecting their physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance in afternoon classes.
A 2019 study by the UCL Institute of Education highlights the importance of adequate break times in schools. It points out that reduced eating times impact students' opportunity to develop social skills, exercise, and maintain overall well-being. Alarmingly, despite a seemingly adequate total lunch break duration at Mossbourne Community Academy, the actual time for eating falls short of what is beneficial for students’ development.
Furthermore, a Swedish study emphasises the long-term benefits of adequate nutrition during school hours. It was found that well-nourished students are more receptive to learning, correlating with an increase in test results among students in the UK following the introduction of nutritious school meals. This evidence suggests that a well-fed and relaxed student is more likely to excel academically, underlining the importance of sufficient eating time for both immediate academic performance and long-term educational outcomes.
To address this issue, we propose the following solutions:
1. Review and Restructure Lunchtime Management: An in-depth assessment of the current lunchtime structure to understand the factors limiting actual eating time and implement necessary changes.
2. Efficient Queue and Serving Processes: Streamlining the cafeteria queues or lunch distribution process to ensure more efficient and quicker service.
3. Awareness and Training for Staff and Students: Promoting awareness among staff and students about the significance of adequate eating time and training staff to facilitate a smoother lunchtime process.
4. Staggered Eating Schedules: Implementing staggered eating schedules within the lunch break to reduce congestion and allow more time for each student to eat.
In addition to our immediate proposals, we also suggest considering long-term building or architectural solutions to enhance the lunchroom’s capacity. Such improvements would not only address the current constraints but also serve future generations of pupils, fostering a lasting legacy of improved facilities. Recognising the financial implications of these enhancements, we, as a committed group of parents, are ready to engage in and support fundraising initiatives. This collaborative effort underscores our dedication not just to our own children’s well-being and academic environment, but to the enduring benefit of the school community.
We understand and respect Mossbourne Community Academy's reputation for high standards of discipline and order. Our suggestions aim to complement, not compromise, this esteemed ethos. Ensuring that students have enough time to eat aligns with the UK guidelines, where a typical lunch break allows sufficient time for eating and relaxation. Implementing these suggestions will not only adhere to these guidelines but also enhance the overall school experience without detracting from the academy's commitment to efficiency and structure.
Addressing these concerns will contribute positively to the students' physical and mental health, thereby enhancing their learning experience. We are open to discussing these suggestions further and are keen to engage in a constructive dialogue to find a solution that aligns with Mossbourne Community Academy's admirable standards of student care and academic excellence.
Thank you for considering our concerns. We look forward to a collaborative approach to enriching our children's school experience.
Yours sincerely,
Group of Concerned Parents
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
November 21, 2023
29 Comments
Both my boys come home with packed lunches half eaten, when they did do school lunches they often skipped meals due to long queues and not wanting to miss out on play time. They also come home without having used the school toilets as they refuse to use them. Better organisation and facilities would drastically improve their (and our) school days.
It’s unhealthy not to give enough time eating your meals. Children are taught at home to slow down when they are eating so that they can chew the food properly, it’s unfortunate that at MOSSBOURNE are doing it opposite. This affects their digestive system.
Mossbourne’s food is of poor quality. The children are rushed through lunch, in a very noisy and undersized space whilst being shouted at to hurry up. This is very stressful for our daughter who now refuses to eat lunch which has had a detrimental effect on her concentration and health.
My daughter isn’t able to finish the baguette sandwich in the time available, despite wanting to. She puts the remaining third in her backpack to eat after school. Depriving children of a whole meal at lunchtime isn’t right or healthy.
The lack of time given to the children to eat regularly causes extreme stress and occasionally means they don't eat lunch at all. There have been times when my children have had to choose whether to go to the toilet or eat as there's not time to do both
This is a serious issue and the quality of lunchtime meals is also inferior.
I prepare a packed lunch of a sandwich , fruit , nuts and a snack bar each day. Most days the food has not been eaten. “No time Dad, we get like 10 minutes” Also those kids with a pack lunch are segregated from kids who buy lunch, not only does this raise equality issues but also social cohesion as friendship groups are split. I do hope that eating times can be extended to support our kids that have long days and work so hard.
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we actually pulled it off and the school is officially extending our kids lunch time so they arent rushing through their meals anymore. i cant thank you enough for backing this because they finally listened to us. im going to keep an eye on things to make sure the change …
December 7, 2023
Final supporters
Subject: Concerns Regarding Insufficient Lunchtime Eating Duration
Dear Miss Warren,
We, a collective group of parents of students at Mossbourne Community Academy, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the lunchtime eating duration for our children.
While we appreciate the school's efforts in managing a 55-minute lunch break, it has become apparent that the actual time available for students to sit and consume their meals is significantly less, often less than 10 minutes. This constraint not only challenges their ability to have a nourishing meal but also imposes undue stress, adversely affecting their physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance in afternoon classes.
A 2019 study by the UCL Institute of Education highlights the importance of adequate break times in schools. It points out that reduced eating times impact students' opportunity to develop social skills, exercise, and maintain overall well-being. Alarmingly, despite a seemingly adequate total lunch break duration at Mossbourne Community Academy, the actual time for eating falls short of what is beneficial for students’ development.
Furthermore, a Swedish study emphasises the long-term benefits of adequate nutrition during school hours. It was found that well-nourished students are more receptive to learning, correlating with an increase in test results among students in the UK following the introduction of nutritious school meals. This evidence suggests that a well-fed and relaxed student is more likely to excel academically, underlining the importance of sufficient eating time for both immediate academic performance and long-term educational outcomes.
To address this issue, we propose the following solutions:
1. Review and Restructure Lunchtime Management: An in-depth assessment of the current lunchtime structure to understand the factors limiting actual eating time and implement necessary changes.
2. Efficient Queue and Serving Processes: Streamlining the cafeteria queues or lunch distribution process to ensure more efficient and quicker service.
3. Awareness and Training for Staff and Students: Promoting awareness among staff and students about the significance of adequate eating time and training staff to facilitate a smoother lunchtime process.
4. Staggered Eating Schedules: Implementing staggered eating schedules within the lunch break to reduce congestion and allow more time for each student to eat.
In addition to our immediate proposals, we also suggest considering long-term building or architectural solutions to enhance the lunchroom’s capacity. Such improvements would not only address the current constraints but also serve future generations of pupils, fostering a lasting legacy of improved facilities. Recognising the financial implications of these enhancements, we, as a committed group of parents, are ready to engage in and support fundraising initiatives. This collaborative effort underscores our dedication not just to our own children’s well-being and academic environment, but to the enduring benefit of the school community.
We understand and respect Mossbourne Community Academy's reputation for high standards of discipline and order. Our suggestions aim to complement, not compromise, this esteemed ethos. Ensuring that students have enough time to eat aligns with the UK guidelines, where a typical lunch break allows sufficient time for eating and relaxation. Implementing these suggestions will not only adhere to these guidelines but also enhance the overall school experience without detracting from the academy's commitment to efficiency and structure.
Addressing these concerns will contribute positively to the students' physical and mental health, thereby enhancing their learning experience. We are open to discussing these suggestions further and are keen to engage in a constructive dialogue to find a solution that aligns with Mossbourne Community Academy's admirable standards of student care and academic excellence.
Thank you for considering our concerns. We look forward to a collaborative approach to enriching our children's school experience.
Yours sincerely,
Group of Concerned Parents
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
November 21, 2023
29 Comments
My son often skips lunch time because there isn't enough time to eat, he just avoids the stress around lunchtime and prefers to stay hungry for the rest of the day. Whenever he has lunch he brings half of his baguette home as he can't finish it in such a short time. It's really sad and pity that children can't have proper rest and enjoy their lunch after all the high expectations about studies and behaviour.
Both my boys come home with packed lunches half eaten, when they did do school lunches they often skipped meals due to long queues and not wanting to miss out on play time. They also come home without having used the school toilets as they refuse to use them. Better organisation and facilities would drastically improve their (and our) school days.
It’s unhealthy not to give enough time eating your meals. Children are taught at home to slow down when they are eating so that they can chew the food properly, it’s unfortunate that at MOSSBOURNE are doing it opposite. This affects their digestive system.
Mossbourne’s food is of poor quality. The children are rushed through lunch, in a very noisy and undersized space whilst being shouted at to hurry up. This is very stressful for our daughter who now refuses to eat lunch which has had a detrimental effect on her concentration and health.
My daughter isn’t able to finish the baguette sandwich in the time available, despite wanting to. She puts the remaining third in her backpack to eat after school. Depriving children of a whole meal at lunchtime isn’t right or healthy.
The lack of time given to the children to eat regularly causes extreme stress and occasionally means they don't eat lunch at all. There have been times when my children have had to choose whether to go to the toilet or eat as there's not time to do both
This is a serious issue and the quality of lunchtime meals is also inferior.
I prepare a packed lunch of a sandwich , fruit , nuts and a snack bar each day. Most days the food has not been eaten. “No time Dad, we get like 10 minutes” Also those kids with a pack lunch are segregated from kids who buy lunch, not only does this raise equality issues but also social cohesion as friendship groups are split. I do hope that eating times can be extended to support our kids that have long days and work so hard.
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My son often skips lunch time because there isn't enough time to eat, he just avoids the stress around lunchtime and prefers to stay hungry for the rest of the day. Whenever he has lunch he brings half of his baguette home as he can't finish it in such a short time. It's really sad and pity that children can't have proper rest and enjoy their lunch after all the high expectations about studies and behaviour.