Families and children across England are set to benefit from a groundbreaking government initiative that will provide free, daily breakfast clubs in primary schools. The first 750 schools to offer the scheme have been confirmed, with the programme expected to roll out as early as April. This initiative will save parents up to £450 a year and ensure that no child starts the school day hungry.
The breakfast clubs, part of the government’s Plan for Change, aim to remove barriers to opportunity by helping children begin their day ready to learn. Research has shown that breakfast clubs can significantly improve children’s behaviour, attendance, and academic performance, with studies indicating that they can boost reading, writing, and maths skills by an average of two months.
The early adopter phase will see schools across all nine regions of England offering free breakfasts and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day. This will support working parents by allowing them to drop their children off half an hour earlier, helping them balance work and family life. Schools are encouraged to provide healthy and nutritious breakfast options, such as wheat bisks, porridge, fresh fruit, and yoghurt, alongside activities like arts and crafts, educational puzzles, and reading sessions.
The scheme is particularly impactful for families in deprived areas, with around 67,000 of the 180,000 children benefiting from the early adopter phase attending schools in these regions. This initiative is a key part of the government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty, ensuring that all children have access to the resources they need to thrive.
The breakfast clubs complement other government measures aimed at reducing the cost of living for families, including caps on school uniform costs and expanded childcare funding. Schools selected for the early adopter phase represent a diverse range of locations, including those without existing breakfast clubs, and will receive funding to cover food and staffing costs.
Government research highlights the widespread support for breakfast clubs, with 87% of parents recognising their value in helping children socialise and 66% appreciating the educational activities they provide. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Child Poverty Taskforce to increase household income, reduce essential costs, and tackle the challenges faced by families living in poverty.
As the programme prepares to launch, it marks a significant step forward in the government’s mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. The national rollout of free breakfast clubs promises to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across England.