LUNCHTIMES have taken on a whole new look at one York primary school.

Children at Fishergate Primary School are enjoying healthy school dinners which are served by them in a family service system.

In a new-style dining hall, with new tables and chairs, the children sit at circular tables in mixed age groups, and older Year 5 and 6 children act as table servers.

More and more children are being attracted to this new-style service.

Head teacher Andy Herbert, along with the senior leadership team and school governors, formed a school food working party last year to plan for the changes, which started this month.

Mr Herbert said having everyone involved from the beginning has been the key to managing the changes.

He said: "We consulted children, parents, dinner staff and the catering company to ensure all involved had an input and were aware what was going to happen.

"I have been delighted with the way all the staff have embraced the changes and made them work, in spite of some teething problems.

"So far parents seem very supportive and we shall be consulting everyone to seek their views later this term."

Andy D'Agorne, local Green Party councillor and school governor, was invited to share a hot meal with the children.

He said: "This is an excellent way of fostering a positive social atmosphere, helping children to feel part of the school community."

Coun D'Agorne recalled it was very similar to the system of his school days, but with a much better approach to developing healthy eating habits.

The children are really enjoying the new style lunches and also the opportunity to play with more equipment at lunch playtime, with midday supervisors actually playing with them.

Mr Herbert said: "This has had a big impact on behaviour, with fewer incidents of children falling out.

"We put this down to the way we are organising their play, which is having a positive impact on their health and fitness too.

"When you look around the playground now, you see groups of children playing together, skipping, using new balance equipment, throwing and catching, playing football and developing their skills. We have had a lot less arguments and the children are working together well."