Technology off the menu in one of Scotland's best breakfast clubs
LOSSIEMOUTH High School’s breakfast club has been named one of six finalists in a Scotland-wide ‘Better Eating, Better Learning’ competition.
Each morning before school, between 15 and 20 pupils start the day at the breakfast club, which was set up in August 2017 by Home School Link Worker, Wendy Greaves.
Now, as it reaches the end of its first year in operation, it has been recognised as among the best in the country for the important service it provides to pupils in the Moray school.
Wendy was delighted to find out that the club has been named as a finalist in a field of more than 50 entries.
“Over the course of the year we’ve welcomed dozens of pupils, some of whom are from disadvantaged families and we know that this is a hearty, nutritious breakfast for them that they may not otherwise get. Some other pupils come along because they get a bigger breakfast than they would at home, perhaps if their parents have lots of mouths to feed.
“Breakfast can be an expensive meal so we take that burden away from parents. The pupils are leaving the club with full tummies and ready for a day of learning. We cater for everyone, it doesn’t matter what their home or family circumstances are, or what school year they’re in.”
The breakfast foods, including cereal, bread and fresh fruit, are provided by Moray Food Bank and Scotmid have donated £500 in vouchers to secure the future of it for at least another 12 months.
Another benefit of the club is the social interaction it encourages, she said.
“We don’t allow mobiles to be used at the breakfast club, so we all sit round a table and have a conversation with each other without the distraction of technology.
“The pupils are then responsible for cleaning up after themselves, washing their dishes and tidying them away, so it’s teaching them how to become more independent.”
Head Teacher at Lossiemouth High, Linda Brown, said that the employment of Wendy, funded by the Pupil Equity Fund, has been a huge success.
“Setting up the breakfast club and all the planning and preparation involved around this has been down to her. Pupils have appreciated a comfortable place to meet up, have breakfast and enjoy a stress free start to the school day.
“I have been appreciative of the kind donations received from Moray Food Bank and Scotmid to help support this highly successful initiative. Knowing the young people can pop in for breakfast, if they choose, has helped support their energy levels needed in the morning, for effective learning.”
Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.