Clubs
There are a variety of lunch time activities organised for the children. These change, so look on the school council noticeboard for up to date information about clubs this term.
Here is a report from Mrs Foggo our Senior Midday Supervisor:
MRS M FOGGO, SENIOR MIDDAY SUPERVISOR I am a senior midday supervisor at Abbey Gates Primary School in Ravenshead. I have worked at the school for almost 20 years, during which time I have been involved with many changes. For many years we operated the family service at lunchtimes where we used a designated classroom and lunch was served to the children. Lunch began with prayers and ended with thanks and was very structured. We then changed to the present day cafeteria service using the hall and I well remember all the thought and planning that went into making the new system work. Over the years I have always tried to implement new ideas and introduce new schemes and here are four of the most recent: Each day we have two helpers from the older children who assist in the dining room and playground. The children apply for the jobs with an application form that I hope teaches them the basic application process. I then hold simple interviews to tell them what they are letting themselves in for, especially as they are giving up their free time. The system works well and I have approximately 20 children on a rota who are willing helpers. Secondly every term I introduce a reward card system for all children who are eating in school. Each child has a card with 10 spaces and each time they eat all their food then a stocker is added to their card. When the card is complete they are given a bookmark or similar to colour to praise them. These stickers are in addition to many given out every day to praise good behaviour, politeness, helpfulness or any good deed. The third scheme is a reward given out every quarter for the two children from each class that have been particularly well behaved or who have shown the most improvement. Each of these children are given a certificate (with a value of 50 pence) to spend in the school shop. The certificates are given out in a school assembly and boosts the children’s self esteem. The money for this and the reward card prizes comes from a yearly donation I receive from our generous PTA. Every week I hold a session allowing time for any child with a lunchtime problem to come to see me privately. Most are small problems that can soon be sorted out but the children are reassured knowing I will listen and try to solve their worries. Other money provided by the PTA has enabled me to buy games and toys for the children to play with at lunchtimes. The school also obtained a grant to allow permanent games markings such as draughts, snakes and ladders and hop scotch to be painted on the playgrounds which gives the children lots of fun. Every year I bulk buy Christmas crackers that I sell to the children for party day and Christmas dinner day which is a big success. The profits from this allows me to buy ropes and balls. I also receive an allowance from school to purchase bigger items. I try to ensure that lunchtime is a happy and relaxing time for the children. The toys and games provided, together with the care and enthusiasm from the rest of my team help to minimise lunchtime problems. Four ladies work with me and school has recently taken on two ladies who job share the role of play-worker. I am therefore able to set aside time each day for a games session. The younger children like simple games such as dribbling a ball round cones, whereas the older ones benefit from skipping games and rounders. I am always open to new suggestions though!! I hope to start a weather station soon (when funds are available) so we will have a new project to look forward to.