8 hours Ago
Schools across the country will provide free breakfast clubs to support some of the most deprived children, including those in Bolton. New government funding will see 750 early adopter schools across the country providing free breakfasts to children from April, with 105 of those being in the North West. The scheme will mean all primary aged children can access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare, every day, helping to support parents getting into work by dropping their children off half an hour earlier.
Schools are encouraged to offer healthy, varied and nutritious breakfasts, with examples including wheat bisks, porridge, fresh fruit and yoghurt. One of the early adopter schools is Kearsley West Primary School on Primrose Street. Jackie Fitton, headteacher at Kearsley West Primary School said: “We are delighted to be one of the early adopter schools.
"For our school, the funding provided will be a real life saver, ensuring we can provide a healthy breakfast and supportive start to the day for our pupils. Read more: Primary school praised for being 'exceptionally nurturing' Read more: School serving up free breakfasts to help families tackle cost of living crisis “Breakfast clubs have already made a massive difference to pupils’ wellbeing, providing them with time to settle in, socialise with friends and get ready to learn.” The Government says that the early adopter phase will inform the national rollout of these breakfast clubs, which will give all parents access to the scheme.
Research suggests that the clubs can have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment. It says that further details on the national roll out of the breakfast clubs programme will follow "in due course". Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: "Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of our Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.
"Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn. “Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.”.
