‘Family dining’ - AIBU?

[Juicywatermelon]

I’m looking at some primary schools and saw this on the website.

It brought back memories of a teaching post I had where we had half an hour to bolt down a roast dinner and a cake and talk to the children on our table about a pre-decided topic of conversation. Is this what everyone understands by it? It was horrible when we did it … would rather avoid for own DC.

Family dining at most primary school just means sit at square tables and older child serves the table… rather than all queuing up at counter and sitting anywhere

Ah, thanks.

A school near us does this. Secondary and specifically for year 7 kids. It’s what you describe OP and the school really promote it. Not sure it’s my cup of tea, though.

Kids should be able to relax, and talk rubbish (Minecraft etc) with their friends at lunchtime.
I guess it would be a good option for helping those likely to be left out/new friendships in y7.
My kids would hate that though.

Ours was awful as it was only a thirty minute lunch - they had no time at all to socialise.

And loads of food was wasted.