How schools can make breaktimes and lunchtimes more active

By: Imogen Buxton-Pickles • Read time: 3 min • Published: September 17, 2026

Quick Answer

Schools can encourage greater physical activity at breaktimes and lunchtimes by providing different ways for pupils to move. Simple activity zones, pupil voice and support for lunchtime staff can make playground provision more inclusive. The aim is not to make every child participate in competitive sport, but to help more pupils find movement they enjoy.

How can schools create a more active playground?

Breaktimes are often assumed to be naturally active. Sadly, that's not the case for every child.

Some pupils spend the whole break chatting, watching, or standing at the edge of a game. Others avoid activity altogether because the playground feels too competitive, too noisy, or too unstructured.

A more active playground doesn't need an expensive redesign, or a big expensive climbing frame where only three children are allowed on at a time in a clockwise direction because of safety. A waste of money and space, in my opinion. Schools can divide the space into simple zones using cones, signs or markings. I've seen some great examples, including:

a ball-games zone
a dance or music zone
a creative-play area
a circuit or fitness zone
a walking or running route
a quieter movement space

The aim isn't to turn every child into a sportsperson. It's to give pupils different ways to enjoy moving, in their own way.

Why is pupil voice important when planning playground activities?

Pupil voice is also so important here. Ask children which activities they'd use, which parts of the playground they avoid, and what would help them join in.

How can lunchtime staff support physical activity?

Lunchtime staff need support too. Their role isn't to lead a workout or demonstrate every activity. It's to feel confident enough to facilitate: setting activities up, explaining simple rules, drawing in hesitant pupils, and keeping everything running safely.

Empowering lunchtime staff is often one of the quickest ways to lift activity levels across a whole school.

"Empowering lunchtime staff is often one of the quickest ways to lift activity levels across a whole school."
— Imogen Buxton-Pickles, Founder and CEO, imoves Active Education Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are children naturally active during every breaktime?

Not every child is naturally active during breaktimes. Some pupils may prefer to talk or watch, while others might avoid activities because the playground feels competitive, noisy or unstructured. Providing different types of activity can help more pupils find a way of moving that feels comfortable.

What activity zones can schools create on a playground?

Schools could introduce ball-game, dance, creative-play, fitness and walking or running zones. A quieter movement space may support pupils who find busy or competitive areas difficult. Zones can often be created using existing space alongside simple resources such as cones, signs or playground markings.

Why should schools involve pupils in playground planning?

Pupil voice helps schools understand which activities children would use, which areas they currently avoid and what might help them participate. Asking pupils directly can prevent schools from investing time or resources in provision that does not reflect their interests or remove the barriers they experience.

How can lunchtime staff encourage pupils to become more active?

Lunchtime staff can set up activities, explain simple rules, encourage hesitant pupils and help provision run safely. They do not need to lead formal workouts or demonstrate every activity. Providing clear guidance and practical support can help lunchtime staff feel more confident in facilitating active play.

Does an active playground need expensive equipment?

An active playground does not necessarily require an expensive redesign. Schools can make better use of existing spaces by introducing different zones, routes and simple activities. The focus should be on giving pupils varied, accessible and enjoyable opportunities to move rather than relying on one large piece of equipment.

Author

Imogen Buxton-Pickles

Primary PE & Specialist | Founder of imoves

Imogen Buxton-Pickles, primary PE specialist and founder of imoves, an all-in-one PE and active learning platform that empowers teachers to deliver PE confidently.