Breakfast clubs 'benefit pupils'

According to the study every child enjoyed breakfast club

Children who attend breakfast clubs have more positive attitudes, researchers claim.

Dr Greta Defeyter from Northumbria University led the study, which was based on children from seven primary schools across the North East.

The six-month project compared the behaviour of those from breakfast clubs with children eating at home.

Those who went to school for breakfast formed better relationships and were more positive, it found.

'Further investigation'

The children were assessed at the start of breakfast club attendance and then six months later on two cognitive tasks, a friendship questionnaire and a teacher relationship questionnaire.

Their performance was measured against the control group who did not attend breakfast club.

Dr Defeyter said: "This research highlights that, in addition to providing a healthy start to the day, breakfast clubs appear to help children to develop and maintain positive social relationships with other pupils and staff.

"Not a single child who attended breakfast club said they did not enjoy going, and many children reported that they enjoyed eating and socialising with their friends before starting school.

"The key finding of this report, however, is that children attending breakfast clubs display a far more positive attitude towards their school.

"These preliminary findings warrant further investigation.''