This week the theme is the eating experience in schools. The school dining experience is a critical part of the day both from a health and learning perspective but also as a socialisation process. Sitting down and taking time to eat as well as possibly fitting in play presents a real challenge for our children and young people but also presents each school with a considerable management operation on a daily basis. We might consider; if all students eat at the same time and in the same space or should we create a more ‘family-like’ eating experience in school? To assist you further in thinking about this it is worth considering the following resources and links.
The DCSF have produced a publication providing advice on the development of inspirational kitchen and dining space: teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=11831
The School Food Trust have a wide range of resources but the most relevant one to our thinking is “A fresh look at the school meals experience. schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/doc_item.asp?DocId=45&DocCatId=9
Returning to the Sorrell Foundation you can find information relating to the social dining space here: teachers.tv/video/3456