PARENTS and carers of pupils who attend the nursery at Burnfoot Community School in Hawick were treated to a family lunch last week.

The family service initiative is being rolled out at the nurseries in Burnfoot, Langlee and Chirnside and provides an opportunity for children to sit down to a home cooked meal in a social dining environment.

The initiative, which aims to impart social skills and table manners as well as teaching children how to share food and use cutlery properly, will be extended to other settings from April 2019 to August 2020.

In addition to the social benefits, the family service also allows the children to sample a range of new foods in a relaxed environment.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, executive member for children and young people, said: “The family service is another example of our dedicated staff wanting to make sure children attending our nurseries are able to enjoy and learn from a wide variety of experiences that will benefit them not only in their ongoing education, but also at home and in their communities.

“I understand that these mealtime experiences are enjoyed by all who take part, and it certainly seems that those parents and carers who came along to the school were in agreement about the benefits.”

Parents or carers who would like to find out more about the family service initiative can contact the Nursery Liaison Co-ordinator on 01835 823663.