First Bite, Best Start:  Pupils Enjoy Priory’s Morning Boost 

Pupils are ‘toasting’ Priory’s latest initiative – ‘First Bite of the Day.’

The free breakfast idea was the brainchild of Assistant Principal Miss Thornton and now around 100 pupils are at school at 8.15am-8.35am to have a snack, drink or just a general chat before school officially starts.

Miss Thornton said: “My role is about teaching and learning in school and to do that pupils need to be well-fuelled and not hungry or thirsty.

“They need the best start to the day and the idea of the ‘First Bite of the Day’ is to ensure pupils are fully prepared to focus and concentrate on their lessons.

“The ‘First Bite of the Day’ is open to everyone in Years 7-11 and it may be for those who don’t have time to eat before they leave their house or can’t eat as soon as they get up but are ready by the time they get to school.
“We wanted it to be free so we partnered with Recycling Lives, a Preston organisation working with charity Fareshare.

“Fareshare give food which is close to its sell-by date or damaged to schools, charities and other community groups.

“Our staff pick it up once a week. It’s certainly varied. There is toast, fruit, jam, muffins, juices – we never quite know what we will get but it’s always welcome!

“The pupils are really good. It’s a chance for them to socialise together, it’s calm and peaceful, and also they clear up after themselves, putting any waste in the correct bins.”

Science Teacher Mrs Butcher co-ordinates ‘The First Bite of the Day.’

“One of my roles is to make sure this is all supervised. I arrange for the staff to cover the earlier start and liaise with the catering staff.

“It’s been such a good initiative, it’s so popular and it’s also having a positive impact on behaviour and learning.
“It’s inclusive and social and it really is a calm and nice atmosphere to start the day.”

One of the Catering Staff, Miss Snape, a former Priory pupil, covers the early hours.

“I really enjoy seeing all the pupils in the morning. It’s such a buzz. The children are enjoying it and they sit and talk while able to get whatever they may fancy for free.

“We do never know what we will get – we had some really fancy yoghurts the other week!”

Year 7 Alyx said: “If you get here early, you can sometimes get pancakes! I love it.”

Emily said: “It’s good as you can mix with everyone not just your year group.”

Madison said: “We just sit and chat although I do come on the bus so it does depend what time the bus gets to Priory. I have a bowl of cereal at home and then I might have something here.”

Year 8 Archie added: “I like it. There is no rush and you can come in, eat and socialise.”