School offers free breakfast over hunger concerns

4 hours ago

Lara DaviesWest Midlands

News image — Almost one in three supply teachers reported they saw hungry children at school every day

BBC A boy and a girl sit reading while eating an apple, with pencil cases on their desk along with a water and a folder in front of them. In the background, are kids also reading and paper bags which they came in. — Almost one in three supply teachers reported they saw hungry children at school every day

A primary school is providing free breakfasts to all pupils this week amid concerns that children are starting the school day hungry.

Christ Church C of E Primary School in Sparkbrook is giving about 200 pupils fruit, a croissant and a drink each morning before lessons begin.

The initiative is part of a wider national campaign informed by research into classroom hunger, which found that almost one in three supply teachers regularly saw children arriving at school hungry.

Headteacher Tracey Adams said: "When children come to school hungry, they have less energy, they're not themselves, and it affects their readiness to learn."

Sparkbrook is one of the most deprived areas of Birmingham, and more than half of pupils at Christ Church are eligible for Pupil Premium, meaning they qualify for free school meals.

Staff say rising living costs are continuing to put pressure on families, with a direct impact on children's energy levels and readiness to learn.

The school already runs a breakfast club at no cost to families, but some children still arrive at school without having eaten.

Adams said staff could see the difference immediately.

"We're in a disadvantaged area, with over 50% of our pupils eligible for Pupil Premium.

"Breakfast really helps set them up for the day."

Headteacher Tracey Adams is a woman in her 50s, smiling at the camera, in a smart black coat and silver circular drop earrings. She is stood infront of the school playground, which has a hopscotch in the background, a rainbow colours wooden gate and sheltered area. — Headteacher Tracey Adams said it was "obvious" when children come to school hungry

Adams said access to food and education were closely linked.

"I was born and bred just five minutes down the road in Highgate, and I know first-hand how important education is for these children's lives," she said. "But they need energy and concentration to do well."

Pupils at the school said having breakfast made it easier to focus in class.

One child said: "Eating breakfast is really important because it gives you energy. If you don't have it, you'll just be tired and lethargic."

Another added: "It helps you concentrate in lessons and be ready for exams and SATs. If I didn't eat breakfast, I'd feel really sleepy."