Free breakfast club scheme to be expanded

Another 2,000 primary schools will start providing free breakfast clubs from April.

Hundreds of primary schools now offer free breakfasts, including cereal, toast and fruit, and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day, as part of a government scheme.

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

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

Following the successful launch of the scheme in April, ministers now plan to expand it further so it reaches half a million extra children.

“The start of the national rollout of free breakfast clubs will be an historic change in working families’ daily routines,” said education secretary Bridget Phillipson.

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 feeling the benefits

Since free breakfast clubs were launched, almost a third of parents who’ve used them think their children have been more focused in lessons.

Meanwhile, nearly half think it’s easier to get their child out of bed and into school.

Annika Fox, a mum of two young children, is among the parents to feel the benefits firsthand, describing free breakfast clubs as a “lifesaver”.

“As a full-time executive assistant, and often being the only adult in the house, I have to juggle getting two small kids ready for the day - all prior to commuting into London three times a week,” she said.

“The club gives me the flexibility I need, tripling the time I have to make drop off in the morning and making sure that my son isn’t rushed in the morning.”