Freedom and Fun: Lovely Lunchtimes at Mary Howard

There's a special kind of energy that buzzes through Mary Howard when the clock strikes lunchtime. It’s a wonderful, harmonious time where our lovely outdoor space truly comes alive, offering our children the freedom to simply be children.
Lunchtime isn't just about eating a delicious meal; it's an invaluable opportunity for play, exploration, and socialising outside of the classroom structure. We absolutely love the freedom of lunchtimes!

A Garden of Growth and Adventure
Our expansive outdoor area is a canvas for creativity and activity. It caters to every kind of play, ensuring that every child finds their perfect way to spend the break:
 * Adventure on the Trim Trail: For the energetic explorers, our trim trail offers a thrilling circuit of climbing, balancing, and swinging. It's a fantastic way to develop coordination and build strength while having a blast with friends.
 * The Power of Imagination in the Growing Gardens: Our growing gardens are home to more than just budding plants. Here, children become master chefs, busily concocting the perfect mud pies. It’s messy, it’s imaginative, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the joy of simple, sensory play.
 * Sporting Heroes: If competitive fun is the goal, our pitches are often transformed into lively arenas for outdoor sports like hockey. These spontaneous games teach teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship in an exciting, fast-paced environment.
 * Quiet Corners for Reflection: For those who need a moment of calm, our reading hub is a tranquil oasis. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a book, share stories with a friend, or simply watch the clouds drift by. It shows how important it is for children to have a chance to wind down and recharge.
 * Artists at Work: Finally, the paving stones and tarmac become a giant, temporary gallery as children transform into artists with chalk. The sheer joy of drawing massive, colourful pictures is infectious, allowing creativity to flow without limits.
This dedicated time in our outdoor space is about more than just filling the hour between lessons. It’s about ensuring our children have time to be active, creative, and socially engaged. It builds friendships, burns off energy, and gets them ready to focus again in the afternoon.

We cherish these harmonious moments and the wonderful memories they create. Long live the lovely lunchtimes at Mary Howard!
What's your favourite lunchtime memory from when you were at school?