Italian households revolve around the kitchen, and in the schools, the cook is pivotal to the whole organisation. The kitchen has an open hatch so children can smell and watch the food being prepared and feel part of the process. Salads and vegetables are identified from an early age.
School mealtimes bring a sense of occasion. Children and adults help in the serving and sit around tables together.
However, in England for many families, this has become an alien concept.
Adults pass in and out of the home; one returns from work while the other rushes out for a twilight shift. Children choose different foods because William doesn't like pasta, Thomas won't eat vegetables and Ella only likes sandwiches. It is simpler to please everybody and sit and watch TV with convenience food on a tray.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
