Lunchtime – The Parkside School

Lunchtimes at Parkside

Lunchtimes at Parkside are an opportunity for pupils to socialise and generalise the skills they have learnt in communication, self-regulation and independence. School dinners are cooked on site and are ordered by parents/carers using the school money app. Alternatively healthy packed lunches can be brought in.

During playtimes pupils have opportunity to learn how to interact with each other, how to pursue their own chosen activities and take turns and share. Pupils learn how to risk assess situations in the moment and take safe risks. They learn cause and effect and how to be in control of their environments and make choices for themselves.

Session	Expectation and Learning Opportunities	What this looks like
Eating in the dining hall	Every pupil has a target to work on whilst eating lunch Pupils serve each other and have responsibilities Teachers and TAs facilitate conversations and communication When pupils finish they do activities that support communication and independence	Pupils have a job list and complete these responsibilities, this includes serving food and the drinks Teachers and TAs sit back and do not ‘do’ much they are there to facilitate communication and keep it safe Pupils are encouraged to use knife and fork correctly Once the food is finished games/activities are played at the table or back in class (must be communication based, not chromebooks etc)
Eating in classrooms	Every pupil has a target to work on whilst eating lunch Pupils serve each other and have responsibilities Teachers and TAs facilitate conversations and communication When pupils finish they do activities that support communication and independence	Furniture is moved to facilitate pupils eating together as a community Placemats are used for individuals- this may include targets on them Pupils have roles and responsibilities Staff members facilitate communication and independence and step back where possible Screen is not used to watch tv- it may be used to add some sensory images or music Use of knife and fork and good table manners are used extensively After eating is finished pupils play games and do activities that support communication and independence
Playtime on the main playground	OPAL Pupils encouraged to risk assess and take safe risks to build resilience Pupil lead play with the staff on duty acting as facilitators Pupil engage in different types of play and generalise the social communication skills taught to them in class time	OPAL- child led play There may be some basic risk- pupils encouraged to self-assess this and make own risk assessments Pupils may build structures- staff to facilitate and ensure it is risk assessed in the moment All weather play- unless dangerous. Art and craft area/sandpit/building/small world areas are available for pupils to use
Playtime on the sensory playground	OPAL Pupils encouraged to risk assess and take safe risks to build resilience Pupil lead play with the staff on duty acting as facilitators Pupil engage in different types of play and generalise the social communication skills taught to them in class time	OPAL- child led play There may be some basic risk- pupils encouraged to self-assess this and make own risk assessments Pupils may build structures- staff to facilitate and ensure it is risk assessed in the moment All weather play- unless dangerous. Forest school access with supervision Roleplay with mud kitchen encouraged and facilitated Use of outside gym equipment for physical activity and cooperation skill practise
Playtime on the small playground	OPAL Pupils encouraged to risk assess and take safe risks to build resilience Pupil lead play with the staff on duty acting as facilitators Pupil engage in different types of play and generalise the social communication skills taught to them in class time	OPAL- child led play There may be some basic risk- pupils encouraged to self-assess this and make own risk assessments Pupils may build structures- staff to facilitate and ensure it is risk assessed in the moment All weather play- unless dangerous. Art and craft area/sandpit/building/small world etc Role play and imaginative play will need staff members to support and facilitate Turn taking and sharing encouraged
Bespoke arrangements for students	OPAL Pupils encouraged to risk assess and take safe risks to build resilience Pupil lead play with the staff on duty acting as facilitators Pupil engage in different types of play and generalise the social communication skills taught to them in class time Pupils are supported to do something within their interests	Groups are smaller and the supervision is higher These may be in groups for using the gym/nurture space/soft play/sports hall Pre-agreed with department leads and may be for a short term or long term period.