The Government has announced a plan to extend free breakfast clubs to an additional half a million children starting next year. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed that the expansion of the Labour initiative to 2,000 more schools will have a significant positive impact on families. Since its launch in April, 750 schools have already provided two million meals.
Phillipson, who is vying for Labour’s deputy leader position, highlighted the success of the policy, citing her recent visit to a breakfast club in Kettering where 100 children were benefitting. She emphasized how the clubs not only eased the financial burden on parents but also prepared children for learning by providing a nourishing start to the school day.
Schools can now apply to join the program, with the first batch set to integrate in April and more to follow in September, according to the Education Secretary. Over £80 million will be invested in expanding breakfast clubs, with the goal of having them established in all schools by the end of the current Parliament.
Phillipson expressed pride in the rapid implementation of free breakfast clubs and delivering on the promises made to voters. She highlighted that this initiative, along with the upcoming expansion of free school meals, will significantly improve children’s opportunities in life. Furthermore, starting from next September, all families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals.
The Government emphasized that introducing school breakfast clubs fulfills a key manifesto commitment, aiming to give parents back 95 hours annually and potentially save up to £450 in childcare expenses. Research indicates that eight out of ten families believe breakfast clubs facilitate smoother morning routines, enabling parents to reach work punctually and drop off their children at school with ease.