Survey of school break times

This study aimed to provide current information on break and lunch times in primary and secondary schools in England and Wales. The research was based on survey responses from 1566 schools and 1300 pupils (from a separate survey of pupils undertaken in 19 schools). This study was funded by the Nuffield Foundation and updates similar studies undertaken in 1995 and 1990.

Key points:

- The duration of all break times added together tended to decrease as children got older with 91 minutes at KS1, 77 minutes at KS2 and 69 minutes at secondary school. As a proportion of the school day break times took up 24 per cent at KS1, 21 per cent at KS2 and 18 per cent at secondary. These figures indicated a decrease from the previous surveys undertaken in 1995 and 1990.

- Pupils were very positive about break times (particularly the lunch break) and the majority felt that these times should be lengthened (particularly at secondary level) or remain the same.

- Primary schools valued break time as an opportunity for pupils to get physical exercise and to socialise. Secondary schools tended to regard break times in more functional terms as providing time for eating and drinking and giving teachers a break.

- Pupils in primary and secondary schools valued break time as free time for them to do what they want and as an opportunity to socialise and get physical exercise.

- Schools and pupils were in agreement that the main problem at break time was poor behaviour but pupils also noted insufficient opportunity and space for fun activities, and time to eat.

- Staff supervision of break time was three times higher in primary than secondary schools. Supervisory staff numbers and ratios to pupils were similar to those reported in 1995.

- Secondary schools were less likely than primary schools to offer formal training and support for supervisory staff, and tended to rely on informal arrangements instead.

- The majority of primary and secondary schools were neutral to positive about the suitability of school grounds for break time activities. Over half of secondary schools had CCTV in the grounds and the school.

- Nearly all schools reported that they organised clubs and activities for pupils during break time and after school.

- Most schools allowed facilities to be used by the local community but only a minority reported that these are used on a daily basis.