The responses present an insight into life at schools across England & Scotland and the challenges faced daily by pupils, teachers and communities with a focus on hunger, access to breakfast, the impact of the cost-of-living and the role of school breakfast in addressing these.
Every year Magic Breakfast invites every partner school to participate in the survey to build a comprehensive overview of the benefits of school breakfast, which then informs planned work whilst delivering insights into school breakfast provision and an overview of what can be most effective.
Key highlights from the report include:
- 94% of schools agree that Magic Breakfast positively impacts pupils’ readiness to learn
- 93% of schools believe that a great breakfast provision is about more than just food
- 89% of schools agree that Magic Breakfast reduces pressure on families’ budgets
The results show the value to schools, pupils, teachers and communities across England and Scotland being supported by Magic Breakfast. Magic Breakfast says school breakfast continues to be a proven, cost-effective initiative with the benefits being seen widely.
Lindsey MacDonald, chief executive at Magic Breakfast, said: “This report is a significant annual milestone for the work we do at Magic Breakfast as it is a comprehensive response to the work we do and the tangible difference it makes. Magic Breakfast partners with schools across England and Scotland to provide nourishing breakfasts and a positive start to the school day.
“The impact this has is to support children’s health and wellbeing, develop their social skills, enhance relationships within school communities, alleviate poverty, and remove hunger as a barrier to learning. Magic Breakfast wants to ensure a positive start to the day, with breakfast, for every child and young person in every postcode.
“We have been supported in this aim for many years by players of People's Postcode Lottery and I hope we can continue this relationship to significantly improve children’s daily lives, their longer-term opportunities and the future health of our nation.”
This research was made possible thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “Players of People’s Postcode Lottery are long-term supporters of Magic Breakfast, and this year they are supporting the Annual Breakfast Survey. This research shows the benefits that a daily school breakfast makes to so many children, schools and the communities.
“It highlights the challenges faced by many families across England and Scotland. It's clear that Magic Breakfast and players of People’s Postcode Lottery are making mornings better with a healthy breakfast, giving children a better chance to learn. We are delighted that our players have raised £5 million to support families, schools and the communities where Magic Breakfast makes a difference daily.”
The full report and key findings are available here.