SCHOOL lunchtime supervisors are an underestimated breed, says a teacher who has completed an award-winning study into the subject.

Janet Madden, of Marton, Middlesbrough, has received an award from the National College for School Leadership for her research, which was part of her Open University MA studies in leadership and management in education.

She said: "There has not been much research in this area, so it was a fascinating subject for me to tackle. Lunchtimes in primary schools are difficult to manage and the role of the supervisor is all too often underestimated.

"My findings highlight the need for them to be fully integrated into the school community and to be given the same training opportunities as other members of the school."