A new phase of the free breakfast club initiative will expand to an additional 500 primary schools starting in April, with an increased annual funding of £6,500 compared to the previous year.
This latest extension of the Labour Party’s flagship program will specifically target the most disadvantaged areas of the country, aiming to transform morning routines nationwide, according to Bridget Phillipson.
Education Secretary highlighted the significant impact of free breakfast clubs on children’s school day transitions and parents’ ability to work, emphasizing the importance of providing every child with a strong start in life.
The expansion to 500 more schools is projected to benefit around 300,000 students, building upon the success of the initial pilot that included 750 schools announced last year.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey, in an interview with The Mirror, emphasized the need for increased funding for schools participating in the scheme, noting adjustments made to enhance the financial support provided. She mentioned that schools could now receive approximately £30,000 annually, representing a £6,500 increase from the initial phase.
Regarding the focus on disadvantaged schools, Bailey explained that the 500 new schools joining in April cater to a higher percentage of children on free school meals. The initiative aims to address educational inequalities by ensuring no child learns on an empty stomach, underscoring the importance of a nutritious breakfast at the beginning of each day.
The Department of Education decided to reevaluate its funding model following feedback from headteachers in rural and smaller schools facing challenges in running free breakfast clubs effectively.
An additional £80 million in funding, sourced from the Department of Education’s settlement during the previous Spring’s Spending Review, will support the next phase, enabling 2,000 more schools to establish breakfast clubs, with 500 schools set to join in April and 1,500 in September.
Schools interested in participating in the program from September can now submit applications, as part of Labour’s commitment to provide every primary school in England with a free breakfast club by the end of the parliamentary term.
The Department for Education highlighted that free breakfast clubs offer working parents savings of up to £450 annually, while also improving attendance, academic performance, and behavior among students.
With a growing demand for these clubs, a survey commissioned by the department revealed that nearly half of parents prioritize primary schools offering free breakfast clubs.
Encouraging universal access to breakfast clubs, the DfE aims to reduce the stigma associated with receiving breakfast support, as research indicates that 60% of parents are more inclined to utilize the service when it is available to all.
