Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire schools included in Government’s first wave of free breakfast clubs

Schools in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire have been named in the first wave of the Government’s free daily breakfast clubs roll-out.

From April, the 750 chosen schools will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day, helping to support parents getting into work.

Schools were chosen from across England in a variety of locations, including those that do not currently run a breakfast club, and all will receive funding to cover food and staffing costs.

Of the schools in England chosen for the scheme, 84 will be in the East Midlands, with 11 schools in Nottinghamshire and eight in Lincolnshire, including The Marston Thorold's Charity CofE School.

Schools are encouraged to offer healthy, varied and nutritious breakfasts and host activities including arts and crafts, educational puzzles, reading, and more.

Universal free breakfast clubs are part of the government’s Plan for Change, removing barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn and remove the stain of child poverty, as out of the 180,000 children who will benefit in the early adopter schools across England, around 67,000 attend schools in deprived areas.

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.”

Government research shows most parents (87%) think breakfast clubs are a good chance for children to socialise, and two thirds (66%) recognise the value of clubs providing educational activities.

Breakfast clubs have been shown to boost children’s reading, writing, and maths by an average of two months.