Make A Lunch - local school pupils

Mill Hill School Sixth Form pupils lead activity sessions for disadvantaged pupils in Barnet and support lunchtime meals sessions during the summer holidays. They also run activity days at Mill Hill School for eligible pupils. 

Aims

To provide healthy meals during holiday periods for pupils eligible for free school Meals. To provide opportunities for pupils to engage in a range of meaningful creative and sporting activities. To support social, health and emotional development of children in Barnet's most deprived areas; those who struggle with food poverty, cannot afford to go on holiday or participate in sports or arts activities.  

Background

The project was set up in 2013 through the London Borough of Barnet to support pupils eligible for free school Meals. Mill Hill School was approached in 2017 to support the programme and incorporated it into its Sixth Form Enrichment activities in that year. 

Resources

Sixth Form pupils volunteer their time and Mill Hill School provides its facilities and services free of charge during activity sessions. Training, led jointly by MHS and the programme leaders, takes place for the Sixth Form pupils at Mill Hill School- key areas of training include Safeguarding, Health and Safety and leading activities. 

Impact

Mill Hill School pupils developed their leadership skills and gained an insight and experience in the key elements of Volunteering. They also gained an appreciation of the significant needs of pupils from different socio-economic groups. Up to 50 children a day on the Make a Lunch scheme received a healthy, nutritious 2-course meal. They also took part in a range of activities - arts and crafts, sports, circus skills, games, food making activities and the offer of day trips out - having fun, interacting with a range of other adults and pupils and learning new skills. 

Pupil Involvement

Sixth Form pupils - boys and girls

Frequency

The project is ongoing and takes place in most school holiday periods