For many children, play-times and lunch-times are the highlight of the school day – a chance to let off steam, connect with friends, and take a break from the structure of lessons. But for others, these unstructured times can feel overwhelming, lonely, or even distressing.
Children who are neurodivergent, anxious, or experiencing social, emotional, or sensory difficulties often struggle most during break and lunch. These are the children we might see:
Their behaviour may not always flag up on behaviour logs but it can tell us a lot if we take a moment to notice. With a few simple, thoughtful tweaks, we can help make these parts of the day feel calmer, safer, and more inclusive for every child.
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