Lunch time
Lunchtime at Kells Lane
At Kells Lane, lunchtime is not a gap between lessons. It is an important part of the school day — a time for children to eat well, play freely, build friendships and develop the social skills that underpin everything else we do.
We invest in lunchtime deliberately, because we know that happy, well-nourished and well rested children are better learners in the afternoon. The lunchtime offer at Kells Lane reflects our belief that every part of the school day matters. Lunchtime is where children learn to sit together, talk to each other, wait patiently and share a meal. These are not small things. They are the habits of community.
School meals
Hot school meals at Kells Lane are provided by Gateshead Council’s catering service, ensuring children have access to nutritious, freshly prepared meals every day. We encourage all children to have a school meal — but we also welcome packed lunches. Whatever children bring, we ask that lunchboxes are healthy and well-balanced, giving children the energy they need for the afternoon.
Find out more about school meals - School Meals
Community dining
Every year group at Kells Lane has a dedicated 30-minute sitting in the lunch hall — eating together as a community rather than rushing through in shifts. This is an intentional decision. Sitting together, waiting while food is served, using a knife and fork properly, talking to the person next to you — these are social skills that matter.
Our community dining approach creates a calm, sociable lunchtime where children can relax, connect and feel part of the school family. Lunchtime supervisors support and guide children throughout the sitting, helping to create an atmosphere that is warm, unhurried and genuinely enjoyable.
The Thrive Hive
For children who find the playground overwhelming, we offer the Thrive Hive — a quieter, nurturing lunchtime space run by Miss Coates, our THRIVE Practitioner. The Thrive Hive is a place to come and play board games, chat and spend time with others in a calm, supported environment. It is offered by invitation to children who benefit from a gentler lunchtime experience — giving them the social interaction and connection they need, without the noise and unpredictability of the wider playground.
The Thrive Hive is one of the ways we ensure that lunchtime is a positive experience for every child — not just those who thrive in busy outdoor spaces.
Sports Premium lunchtime coaching
Three times a week, children at Kells Lane benefit from lunchtime sports sessions delivered by professional coaches, funded through our School Sports Premium. These sessions are coordinated by our PE coordinator, Mrs Parker.
• NUFC Foundation — basketball coaching: children develop basketball skills under the guidance of Newcastle United Foundation coaches, bringing the energy and credibility of a Premier League club to the school playground.
• Futsal coaching: professional futsal coaching develops children’s close control, teamwork and tactical awareness in a fast-paced, exciting format.
• Football coaching: structured football sessions give children the opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy competitive play under expert guidance.
These sessions are available to all children and give every pupil — regardless of ability — the chance to be coached, to improve and to enjoy sport at lunchtime.
Sports Premium - Sports Premium
Outdoor spaces
Our outdoor spaces have been transformed through the generosity and hard work of our PTA, who have fundraised to create an outdoor environment that children love.
• Go-karts: PTA-funded go-karts bikes are available on the yard in drier weather for our KS2 children — a firm favourite that brings energy, excitement and physical activity to lunchtime.
• AstroTurf football court with netting: a full AstroTurf football court with netting overhead, funded by the PTA, gives children a dedicated, all-weather space for football and ball games.
• Hobbit house: a climbing structure that sparks imagination and physical challenge in equal measure.
• Gym and trim trail: a well-equipped outdoor gym and trim trail area giving children opportunities for physical challenge, strength and balance throughout the lunch break.
The AstroTurf court and go-karts reflect the extraordinary support of a PTA community that invests in children’s daily experience. Together with the hobbit house and trim trail, these spaces give children an outdoor environment that is active, exciting and genuinely enjoyable.
Something for everyone
We know that children are different. Some love nothing more than a competitive game of football. Others prefer a quiet space, a board game and a friendly conversation. Our lunchtime offer is designed to reflect that — giving every child something that suits them, every day. From the energy of the AstroTurf court and the NUFC basketball sessions to the calm of the Thrive Hive and the community warmth of year group dining — lunchtime at Kells Lane is a positive, purposeful part of every child’s day.