At Labour conference, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced an ‘early adopter’ scheme to begin the rollout of free breakfast clubs in primary schools from this school year.
The programme encourages schools to apply for funding from the government to pilot the scheme so the Labour government is able to test approaches ahead of a national rollout.
Labour is keen to learn how breakfast clubs can effectively build on ongoing work in schools, meet the needs of parents and ensures children start the day ready to learn.
Breakfast clubs have been proven to boost attendance and attainment for children, as well as providing wraparound care to support working parents.
The announcement was welcomed by bodies such as Magic Breakfast and the Association of School and College Leaders, as well as local MP Darren Paffey.
Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, said:
“This Labour government was elected on a mandate to deliver change and this announcement shows how central education is to that change.
“We inherited a black hole in the public finances and a trail of devastation across education from the Conservatives.
“This intervention will help us fix the foundations and deliver on our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity for every child, at every stage.”
Darren Paffey MP, Member of Parliament for Southampton Itchen, said:
“Labour’s pledge to rollout free breakfast clubs in every primary school often comes up on the doorstep in Southampton Itchen, so I’m glad we’re making rapid progress on an issue so important to local families.
“I am writing and meeting with local primary schools to support them in being some of the first to be rolled out across the country in April.
“This is like night and day from the previous Conservative administration that left schools to crumble and standards to fall, claiming to have ‘maxed out’ on support for children in Southampton Itchen.
“Labour governments put children first, support working families and unlock opportunities for young people – we’re seeing that in action.”
Notes to editors:
• Schools can get information on joining the early adopter scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/breakfast-clubs-early-adopters-scheme.
• DfE newsdesk available on 020 7783 8300.