DairyCo

Loxdale Primary case study

Best Practice

Loxdale Primary is a good school situated in Bilston, Wolverhampton and its particular strength is the outstanding pastoral care for its pupils. A high proportion of pupils are eligible for free school meals.

The school operates in an area of social and economic disadvantage and a small but significant number of pupils have emotional and social difficulties. Many children start school with very low self-esteem, but under the sensitive care of all adults in the school, pupils gain confidence in their own capabilities. This sensitivity of care is evident at the extremely successful Breakfast Club (BC).

The popular BC has been running for over eight years and is open to all 193 pupils in school.  The average daily attendance ranges from 40 to 50 pupils with children from Reception to Year 6. The BC not only caters for the pupils; parents, grand parents and teachers are regular attendees. One parent stated that they "attend the club everyday and it provides a chance to meet other parents. It also provides an excellent opportunity to meet with and talk to Mrs Scot.t"  Mrs Scott, the headteacher is ever present at the BC and takes great pride in the BC as it gives the children a fantastic start to the day.

The food at the BC is organised by the LA catering service and operates from 8.00am to 8.45am. It takes place in the school hall and a wide variety of foods are available from toast to crumpets, cereal to bacon baps with milk, fruit juice and tea on offer.  The pupils pay daily for their choice of food and drink and the only stipulation of the club is that "You eat before play."

A wide range of activities are on offer for the children with table tennis and pool being favourites.  One child at the club stated "It is great to come to school early and have breakfast with friends and play Jenga."

The BC provides a fabulous opportunity for the community to become involved in school life at Loxdale and the children have a superb facility to eat a breakfast and mix with friends, family and school staff.  The BC breeds on its own success and sustainability hasn't been an issue as the enjoyment experienced by the children and adults promotes itself within the school community.