ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the study by drawing on the first impressions of the school in the form of a narrative of the school, known as Peartree Academy. A background of key literature brings the notion of the family meal to the forefront in shaping the discourse surrounding the importance of taking the school dining hall as a space seriously. Furthermore, policy implications are introduced which is followed by a historical review of the school meal. This part of the book then begins to unravel the complexities surrounding the interpretation and links to academic performance, behaviour, health promotion and finally concludes with a contextual account of the school alongside key research questions used in amplifying the research. The school dining hall is a space largely neglected in research and one of significant importance as illustrated in this opening chapter. Therefore, the social processes of the school meal are heightened in paving the way for thinking differently about school meal time.
