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Children eating packed lunch outside?

189 replies

OldMaaa · 21/05/2026 18:09

Is it just me or is this a bit bonkers?

My children are at Primary school.

I found out recently (from my child not via school communication) that the children who bring in packed lunches are allowed to take them outside to eat in the playground.

This first came up as my children sometimes take in soup in a thermos cup. Recently eldest child reported that their soup was kicked over before they had consumed any, so essentially missing the main portion of their lunch. After a bit of (quite confused) discussion I discovered soup was on the floor outside, which led to a conversation about why?! This is normal apparently.

I'm thinking about it again today, as I noticed child had brought home most of their sandwiches and when I asked if there was something wrong with them they said no. "They were lovely but I got distracted".

Am I mad/out of touch to be thinking that children should be sat down at tables while they're eating their lunch regardless of whether they're packed lunch or school dinners. Or is this common in other schools?

I never want to be the kind of parent who bothers the school unnecessarily, but I am considering asking them about this as I don't understand it.

But I would appreciate some other perspectives as maybe my perspective is wrong?

OP posts:
CornishTiger · 21/05/2026 18:18

Totally normal. We’ve just purchased picnic benches for the playground for this exact reason.

TeaPot496 · 21/05/2026 18:18

There is not enough space in the hall according to our primary school, and the teachers don't want them in the classrooms. Packed lunch kids have to go outside to eat all through winter.

HelenaWilson · 21/05/2026 18:17

Am I mad/out of touch to be thinking that children should be sat down at tables while they're eating their lunch

Haven't they got tables outside? Primary school near me has tables and benches in one part of the playground - it used to be my polling station, so I saw them when I walked through to vote.

CoudyWithAChanceOfCustard · 21/05/2026 18:17

You’re being weird OP 😂

Dilysthemilk · 21/05/2026 18:15

This was a huge treat at my children’s primary school - being able to eat on the school field in the summer.

Holdonforsummer · 21/05/2026 18:14

I think this is lovely! I would be annoyed if they weren’t allowed outside! Ps. Maybe keep soup for the colder months!

PoppinjayPolly · 21/05/2026 18:13

how old are they, and who kicked the soup over? Had they left it down to go and play?

SooPanda · 21/05/2026 18:13

At both our schools the kids eat on the grass/ field in summer, picnic style. They love it.

20MayJune22 · 21/05/2026 18:13

I remember sitting on the field eating my packed lunch in primary school in 1992 during the summer months.

Sunisgettinganewhaton · 21/05/2026 18:12

All that fresh air. Terrible.

Carryitjoyfully · 21/05/2026 18:12

At our school the children (packed lunch or school dinners) can choose to eat outside but it is still at a table. The same tables as are inside are just wheeled outside.

tiramisugelato · 21/05/2026 18:12

Why would this be an issue? Confused

PumpkinSoupIsBetterThanYouThink · 21/05/2026 18:11

I did this for any day of my childhood it was not raining. Very common in other countries. But it was controlled, everyone had to sit until a bell went.

We do it in my school (UK) but the table are taken outside.

ACynicalDad · 21/05/2026 18:10

It's been going on at primary schools for years, most kids are fine with it. why not enjoy the summer we don't get enough of it.