Dozens of schools have dropped out of the government’s free breakfast club trial, with others replacing them - find out if yours is still taking part using our interactive map.
The Department for Education has begun rolling out its new breakfast club scheme, which aims to provide primary school children with the best start to the day, as well as free childcare for busy parents.
A total of 764 primary schools are taking part in the scheme, but the list of schools involved has changed since the pilot was first announced back in February. A total of 79 schools announced earlier this year are no longer involved in the pilot, with an additional 89 being drawn in to replace them. You can use our interactive map to see if your children’s school is taking part in the pilot.
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From the start of this term, free breakfast clubs are opening in the selected schools across the country – providing children with a healthy, nutritious start to their day. The government believes that the clubs improve behavior, attendance and academic achievement, and also help families deal with the rising cost of living.
The government says that the scheme will give parents 30 minutes of free childcare every day, saving them up to £450 per year.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Free breakfast clubs are at the heart of our Plan for Change, making working parents’ lives easier and more affordable, while breaking down barriers to opportunity for every child.
“From Tyneside to Truro, England is one of the first countries in Europe to open universal free breakfast clubs, saving parents up to £450 per year and making sure every child starts school ready to learn.
“This government is delivering on our promises to working parents, rolling out free breakfast clubs, school-based nurseries, and giving every child across the country the best start in life.”
Emma Nott, Head Teacher at St Benedict’s Primary School said: “For us, the funding will help us to offer breakfast clubs for free – which is crucial to encourage take up and for more children to reap the benefits. Our fantastic staff truly believe in this policy, and we are already seeing children’s attendance increase as a result of the club.
“It also gives pupils time to adjust between home and school life, especially on a Monday morning, prioritizing this for 30 minutes makes a whole world of difference.”