The benefits of free breakfast clubs go beyond childcare savings, making a real difference for pupils with children getting stronger results in reading, writing and maths where they are more settled and ready to learn, allowing teachers to focus on lessons and not behaviour.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, said: “I am really proud we’ve now delivered ten million breakfasts to kids across the country. Thanks to this Government, every primary school child will be offered a place at a free breakfast club, meaning no child will start the school day hungry.
“These clubs are making a real, practical difference — saving parents up to £450 and 95 hours a year, giving them the flexibility they need to get to work, take on more hours, and support their families. That is what this government means when we talk about breaking down barriers to opportunity.”
Food partnerships with Magic Breakfast, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Weetabix are already helping schools serve healthy, nutritious breakfasts that children love. The Government says the new School Food Standards will raise the bar even higher.
Amanda Bradley, headteacher of Bewdley Primary School in West Midlands, added: “The free breakfast club has really helped to enhance our offer, as a school and has had a positive effect on our attendance, particularly with some of our harder to reach families.
“It’s helped to encourage some of our pupils who find mornings tricky to come into school gradually, having a slice of toast and a chat with their friends, rather than coming in and go straight into learning. We’ve been able to help lighten the load for some of our working parents as it’s given them the flexibility of dropping children in school earlier without incurring additional costs.”