Take a look at this week's assembly and classroom resources hereWhen it comes to lunchtime, children might have plenty of opinions. Which meal looks tastiest? Would they choose the same lunch every day? Should children have a say in what is served at school?This week’s news gives children an opportunity to explore these ideas as the UK government plans changes to the food served in schools in England from September 2027. The proposed changes aim to increase healthier foods such as fruit, vegetables and fibre-rich foods, while reducing foods high in fat, sugar and salt. The changes are subject to Parliamentary approval.Exploring school lunches in a primary school assemblySchool lunches are something children experience every day, making them a familiar starting point for a much bigger discussion. If schools are responsible for providing food, who should decide what goes on the menu?There are lots of things to consider when planning school meals. Children may have their own ideas about what makes a good lunch, while schools also need to think about health, allergies, religious and cultural requirements, cost and food waste. These different needs and priorities can make deciding what to serve more complicated than it might first appear.This gives children the opportunity to consider this week's Big Question: Who Should Decide What We Have for School Lunch?The assembly resource uses a current news story to encourage children to question, form opinions and consider different viewpoints from other people.Continuing the Conversation at HomePicture News conversations do not have to stop when the school day ends. Questions raised in the classroom can give children an opportunity to talk about current affairs with the people they spend time with at home, bringing different experiences and viewpoints into the discussion.Food is something that every family makes decisions about, but those decisions can look very different from one household to another. Who chooses what to eat? Does everyone have a say? What matters most when deciding what food to buy or prepare?Talking about everyday choices at home can help children recognise that people may have different preferences and priorities, while giving them another opportunity to share their own ideas and listen to others.The Take Home resource extends learning beyond the classroom, encouraging children to share ideas, ask questions and explore current affairs with people at home.Questions to support classroom discussionWhat should schools think about when planning a lunch menu?Should children have a say in what is served at school? Why?What might make someone choose a different lunch from you?Can a school lunch be healthy and enjoyable? What could this look like?What should happen when people disagree about what should be on the menu?What could schools do to make sure their menus meet different needs?Using current events in primary school assemblies and lessonsSchool lunch might seem like a simple everyday issue, but deciding what goes on the menu can involve many different views and needs.The proposed changes to school food provide a timely opportunity to explore how decisions are made when they affect a whole community. Children can consider the balance between personal choice and shared responsibility, as well as the different factors that schools need to take into account when providing meals.From thinking about their own experiences of school lunches to discussing how decisions are made, the topic provides a familiar way to explore listening, choice and different perspectives.The reflection page supports the final part of the assembly, helping to draw together learning about why every story can be important and the different ways our experiences can be shared.Explore this resource further here
