More schools to offer free breakfast clubs

A scheme to give children a free breakfast at the start of the school day is to be expanded.

The Best Start in Life school breakfast club scheme in Plymouth is to be extended to more schools this spring and in the autumn, Plymouth City Council has said.

Four Plymouth schools already run free breakfast clubs, which are open to all pupils. From April, four more schools will join them, with a further group preparing to come on board in September.

Councillor Sally Cresswell, cabinet member for education, skills and apprenticeships, said: "I am thrilled that even more schools are joining the programme. This is an investment in all our children, all our families and the future of our city."

Pennycross Primary is one of the Plymouth schools already running breakfast clubs and more than 200 children have breakfast together every morning.

Staff said the calm, friendly atmosphere helped children settle into the day with confidence while giving parents a little more breathing space during busy mornings.

From April, Marlborough Primary Academy, St Peters Church of England Primary, Victoria Road Primary and Austin Farm Academy will begin offering the breakfast club programme.

More schools are getting ready to join this growing citywide effort from September.

Cresswell said every child deserved the best possible start to their school day.

"What makes this programme so special is that it is truly universal. It is for every child, in every classroom.

"When every pupil can start the day feeling settled, included and ready to learn, the whole school community benefits. I am thrilled that even more schools are joining the programme. This is an investment in all our children, all our families and the future of our city."

Plymouth schools that already run clubs are helping to shape how breakfast clubs will be delivered nationally, offering feedback and insights to inform future government rollout.

Parents who would like their children to take part are asked to speak to their school.

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