The Prime Minister has called on 41 schools in Essex to apply for free breakfast clubs, set to begin in April 2024. The initiative aims to enhance educational outcomes by ensuring children receive a nutritious start to their day. Applications will open on November 20, 2023, for up to 500 schools nationwide, with priority given to those with the highest percentage of pupils receiving free school meals.
In a statement to EssexLive, Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of breakfast for children’s learning and life chances. “All the evidence is that children who have had something healthy to eat in the morning are going to be better at learning,” he said. Starmer highlighted that the initiative benefits not only students but also their parents, who can save time and money while ensuring their children are ready to learn.
The programme builds on the success of the initial phase, which involved over 750 schools, including 15 in Essex. Research indicates that breakfast clubs, such as those operated by the Magic Breakfast programme, contribute to increased energy levels, improved focus, and enhanced emotional well-being among students. These clubs are expected to save parents an estimated £450 per year and provide more than 95 hours of time, equivalent to over two and a half working weeks.
The growing demand for breakfast clubs is underscored by polling data revealing that 38 percent of parents find it challenging to provide a healthy breakfast for their children, primarily due to time constraints and picky eating habits.
At Dr Walker’s Primary School near Ongar, interim headteacher Mrs Hafise Nazi shared her experiences with the programme. “The scheme has become an invaluable start to the school day for many of our children,” she stated. “Offering a healthy breakfast and a calm and welcoming space to settle in before learning begins has led to improved transitions into lessons and positive interactions among students.”
Sir Keir Starmer continued to encourage schools in Essex to adopt this initiative. “The schools that are early adopters are all really enthusiastic about it,” he said. “They know the difference it makes to children in their school and they know it makes the chances of the children in their schools so much greater.”
Currently, 15 schools in Essex have already benefited from breakfast clubs, and with 41 more eligible, the Prime Minister’s appeal aims to widen access to this vital resource. The initiative demonstrates a commitment to supporting children’s health and education, paving the way for a brighter future for students across the region.
