500 new free breakfast clubs to be introduced in April

Children from low-income households are set to benefit from an expansion of the free breakfast club scheme.

Primary schools with 40% of pupils on free school meals are being invited to apply for funding, so they can set up free breakfast clubs from April.

The government believes that by prioritising these schools, the impact will be felt first “where it is most needed”.

What’s on offer?

Since the launch of the scheme, hundreds of primary schools have been offering a free breakfast, including cereal, toast and fruit, and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day.

The clubs are free to attend and run before the school day begins. 

Not only does it make sure children are fed and able to settle in before lessons start, it also means parents get an extra half hour in the morning to manage work, commuting or other responsibilities.

The government believes it can also help working parents juggling childcare costs save up to £450 a year.

Who can use free breakfast clubs?

If your child’s school is part of the scheme, they should be in touch with the details. 

You won’t need to apply or prove anything because the free breakfast clubs aren’t means-tested or linked to income.

They’re open to all primary-aged children at participating schools.

Parents often struggle to give kids a healthy breakfast

According to research carried out during the test-and-learn phase of the scheme, nearly four in ten parents (38%) say they struggle to provide a healthy breakfast before school.

More than a third (36%) said they found it difficult because their child is a fussy eater.

And almost a third (28%) said a lack of time was a big obstacle for them.

Breaking down barriers

“This is national renewal in action - breaking down barriers so every child gets the best start in life, regardless of their background,” said education secretary Bridget Phillipson. 

“By rolling out free breakfast clubs to half a million more children, we’re not just filling empty stomachs - we’re supercharging the nation’s morning routines.”

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer added that helping families with the cost of living is his “number one priority”.

“Free breakfast clubs are already a lifeline for parents, and now we’re going further to deliver on that promise - beginning the national rollout.

“Not only that, but we’re prioritising those communities feeling the sharpest squeeze, tackling both the cost of living and child poverty head-on.”