Charitable flavour to school’s Christmas lunch

There was a festive flavour to lunch at one West Norfolk school when the pupils enjoyed a full Christmas meal with all the trimmings – with the added twist of knowing they were raising money for a charitable cause.

All ages from Reception to Year 6 at Clenchwarton Primary School sat down to a feast of roast chicken, stuffing, sausages, peas, carrots and gravy, accompanied by squash and Christmas cookies. 

But the festivities weren’t just about celebrating the season, as children and staff alike sported themed knitwear in aid of Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day appeal, which launched in 2012 and has since raised over £35 million for the charity.

In 2022 alone, over two million school pupils and 24,000 workplaces supported the fundraiser, generating £5 million for children in the UK and overseas.

“The whole school took part in Christmas Lunch,” said Charlotte Howells, Assistant Headteacher at Clenchwarton, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. “The tables were decorated with table cloths, and each child was given a Christmas cracker and was wearing their antlers as well.

“It was Christmas Jumper Day, so the children and staff were all dressed in Christmas jumpers.

“The children loved the festive dinner and singing to Christmas songs in the background.”