Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, but really that’s up for debate. What isn’t up for argument is that regularly eating a healthy breakfast is proven to boost children’s energy levels, problem-solving skills, and attention spans. This is why the government’s introduction of ‘free breakfast clubs’ could prove to be a game-changing move for pupils across England.
From the start of the summer term, the first 750 primary schools will provide free breakfast, alongside at least 30 minutes of free childcareevery day. Schools are encouraged to offer healthy, varied and nutritious breakfasts, from wheat bisks and porridge to fresh fruit and yoghurt, as well as activities like arts and crafts, educational puzzles, and reading.
“Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of our Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country,” Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said. “Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn.”
Is my school offering a free breakfast club?
Schools will contact families directly about how to sign up for a breakfast club. And you probably will have heard something by now if they are part of the initial scheme. You can double-check to see if your child’s primary school is one of the scheme’s early adopters, however, by heading here.
Why isn’t my primary school taking part?
The scheme is still in its ‘early adopter phase’, with these first primary schools helping to inform a national roll-out that will someday soon see free breakfast clubs in every primary school. The first 750 schools were chosen from across England – representing different types, sizes and geographical areas – to best test the scheme.
Around 180,000 children will initially benefit from the scheme, with around 67,000 attending schools in deprived areas – from major cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham to rural areas of Cornwall and Norfolk. All schools will receive funding to cover food and staffing costs.
What are the benefits of free breakfast clubs?
With 1 in 4 children in absolute poverty as of 2023, the scheme aims to ensure no child starts school hungry. Similar breakfast clubs have been shown to boost children’s reading, writing, and maths by an average of two months. Plus, thanks to the added morning childcare, parents can start work earlier and save money for other essentials – with the government claims of “putting up to £450 a year back in parents’ pockets.”
