Seating
When the children enter the Dining Hall, they are shown plated examples of the meals offered that day. There are always 3 options. All food served is Halal, there is always a vegetarian option and there is a growing number of vegan options too. These are marked on the downloadable menu. Children sit in groups of up to 8. School staff help the younger children to manage their cutlery and cut up their food. Adults monitor what is eaten to ensure children eat a balanced meal.
Good Table Manners
Good table manners and calm conduct are taught and reinforced by all staff working in the Dining Hall, and children whose manners are impeccable or who have improved their conduct significantly are rewarded with Dining Hall Stars Certificates in Achievement Assemblies. A team of pupil Dining Hall Helpers from Key Stage 2 support school and ISS staff to serve food, help children and reinforce good conduct, promoting a culture of collective responsibility, fairness and respect in the Bistro. Children are very keen to do this job, and there is a lengthy waiting list.
Support from Parents and Carers
Please teach your children to use cutlery. It is such an important skill: not being able to use a knife and fork is a social barrier that prevents children, as they grow into adults, from being included in every part of society. We want our children to be able to go anywhere and do anything with confidence. We do our best to teach them, but as we only provide one meal per day, we need your support to make using cutlery second nature.