The UK government is launching a free daily breakfast club initiative for children across England, benefiting thousands of families. The first 750 schools have been selected for the scheme, providing free, nutritious breakfasts and 30 minutes of childcare every morning. This initiative aims to support working parents, improve children’s learning, and tackle child poverty.
Launch of Free Breakfast Clubs in Schools
Starting from April 2025, schools across all nine regions of England will begin offering free breakfast and childcare to primary-aged children. This is part of the government’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring children start their school day well-fed and ready to learn.
How Will the Free Breakfast Clubs Work?
The selected schools will offer:
- Nutritious breakfasts including wheat biscuits, porridge, fresh fruit, and yoghurt.
- A safe and engaging environment for children with activities like arts and crafts, educational puzzles, and reading.
- An extra 30 minutes of childcare to help parents drop off their children earlier.
Why Are These Breakfast Clubs Important?
1. Boosting Children’s Learning and Development
Research shows that free breakfast clubs improve children’s concentration, behaviour, attendance, and academic performance. According to an Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) study, breakfast clubs have helped children improve their reading, writing, and maths skills by an average of two months.
2. Reducing Child Poverty and Hunger
The scheme will benefit around 180,000 children, with approximately 67,000 from disadvantaged areas. By ensuring children do not start the school day hungry, the government is taking steps to reduce the impact of child poverty.
3. Supporting Working Parents
Parents will save up to £450 per year with the free breakfast initiative, helping ease financial pressure. The additional 30 minutes of childcare also gives parents more flexibility in managing work and family responsibilities.
Government’s Commitment to Families and Education
This initiative is part of the government’s Plan for Change, aiming to:
- Provide equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their background.
- Improve access to childcare and reduce the financial burden on parents.
- Ensure that all children start their school day ready to learn.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted the transformative impact of breakfast clubs, stating that they help “feed hungry tummies and fuel hungry minds”.
Schools and Experts Welcome the Initiative
Many schools and educational organisations have praised the scheme:
- Jackie Fitton, Headteacher at Kearsley West Primary School, called the funding a “real-life saver”, ensuring children get a healthy and supportive start to their day.
- Sir David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action, emphasized the importance of breakfast provision in improving children’s well-being and learning outcomes.
Next Steps: National Rollout of the Breakfast Clubs Programme
The early adopter phase will help refine the programme before it is expanded nationwide. Schools have been chosen from various regions, including those that currently do not have breakfast clubs, ensuring a diverse and well-tested rollout.
Further details on the national rollout will be announced in the coming months. The government is also expanding the wraparound childcare programme, ensuring all primary school children have access to childcare from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The free breakfast club initiative is a significant step towards supporting families, improving education, and tackling child poverty in England. By ensuring children have a healthy start to their day, the government aims to boost learning, ease financial burdens on parents, and create equal opportunities for all children. With the national rollout planned, more families will soon benefit from this transformative programme.
FAQ
Who is eligible for the free school breakfast scheme?
All primary school children attending one of the 750 selected schools will have access to free breakfast and morning childcare.
When will the free breakfast clubs start?
The early adopter phase begins in April 2025, with a national rollout planned later.
What kind of food will be provided in the breakfast clubs?
Children will receive healthy and nutritious options such as wheat biscuits, porridge, fresh fruit, and yoghurt.
How much money will parents save with this scheme?
Parents could save up to £450 per year per child, helping to reduce financial stress.
How do breakfast clubs improve children’s learning?
Studies show that breakfast clubs boost reading, writing, and maths skills, improve attendance and behaviour, and help kids focus better in class.
Will more schools be added to the scheme?
Yes, after the early adopter phase, the programme will expand to include more schools nationwide.
Where can I check if my child’s school is included?
A full list of schools will be available soon on GOV.UK.
