VIDEO A NEW era has dawned for Morland Primary School as lunchtimes are set to become an integral part of the school day.After more than 40 years without a kitchen, a new one has been installed and has already served up some tasty meals for the children on their first day back at school yesterday.

A NEW era has dawned for Morland Primary School as lunchtimes are set to become an integral part of the school day.

After more than 40 years without a kitchen, a new one has been installed and has already served up some tasty meals for the children on their first day back at school yesterday.

The new refurbishment, which has cost £100,000, all from grants, signals a new age for the school, as the plan is to replace a hectic and conflict-filled lunch hour with a peaceful and harmonious one.

Lunchtimes will be staggered but those having school dinners can now sit on the same tables as those with packed lunches.

Afterwards, the pupils can go into the playground where a professional sports trainer, employed by the school, will assist children with games like football, hopscotch, and skipping. Those who would prefer not to join in, can sit in the quiet garden area, where they can read or chat with their friends.

Ken Marrable, headteacher, said: “This is all part of a major plan to change lunchtimes into a social occasion.

“It used to be a time of conflict but now it will be a time of harmony.

“Before, some of the children used to have their lunch, then go out to the playground and be out of control. We want to make lunchtime into a social occasion and an engaging time where they can learn some useful life skills.”

The original kitchen was closed down in the 60s due to a number of cutbacks. All the equipment was taken out and it was divided into two rooms, one a storage cupboard and the other a serving hatch, where school dinners transported from Cliff Lane Primary School were served.

Following talks between the school, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Caterers, it was decided to create a new kitchen, and work began on it in June.

The partition wall was knocked down and the old heating oven was replaced with new ovens and dishwashers, as well as chairs, tables and cutlery.

Previously, just 40 out of 300 children took up the option to have a school dinner. With the new facilities in place, Mr Marrable hopes it will be more like 150 children choosing it.

He added: “Three months later and we are here with an incredible new kitchen. It is very impressive.”

Some of the food will come from the Morland Road Allotments, which will either be grown by the children themselves, or bought from allotment owners.

The meals consist of a range of freshly cooked dishes from macaroni cheese, to roast pork stuffing,

prepared by new chef, Julie Barnes.

What do you think about the idea of having a sports trainer during school lunchtimes? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.