‘Life-changing’ free breakfast club scheme could be extended

Pupils at Burton Green Primary School in York have been receiving free breakfasts since the start of the year.

Phil Bodmer/BBC A group of primary school students, dressed in red uniforms, sit on either side of a long dining table, eating and drinking. Some smile at the camera. — Pupils at Burton Green Primary School in York have been receiving free breakfasts since the start of the year.

A “life-changing” free breakfast club for primary school pupils could be rolled out to other York schools.

Children at Burton Green Primary School in the town will be entitled to free pre-school meals and drinks from the start of 2024 as part of a pilot programme.

The headteacher said pupils’ attendance and performance had improved significantly since its introduction.

With a similar lunchtime scheme at nearby Westfield Community Primary School also judged to be a success, City of York Council said the breakfast club could be expanded to two more schools.

The pilot project has improved student attendance and performance, according to the school.

Phil Bodmer/BBC A caterer in a black apron stands in the school kitchen holding a tray of what appears to be jelly in small glass bowls. — The pilot project has improved student attendance and performance, according to the school.

In the autumn Budget, the government announced plans to fund free breakfast clubs in 750 state-funded primary schools across the UK from April.

York pilot scheme was funded by the council, Persimmon Homes and donations to the York Hungry Minds appeal.

Ash McGann, headteacher at Burton Green School, said the benefits of providing children with nutritious meals before school were “amazing”.

“I think it’s a brilliant transition from home to school because the children have time to socialize with their friends and staff,” she said.

“It’s honestly made a difference to the school and the community – the kids are so well-adjusted in the classroom that they don’t have behavior problems.”

Georgie Spanswick asks if all York primary schools can provide free meals to children?

The headteacher continued, “Academically, they are ready to focus when the day starts.

“They don’t come to school hungry and they don’t eat sugary breakfasts.”

Santiago, one of about 50 students attending the club, said he thought the service was “excellent.”

“You get food, but you also get to be with your friends and talk and play with them,” he said.

Niamh said she liked the club because it “helps the brain get ready” for lessons.

Chloe Bird, whose son attended the club, said: “I think it’s great because I can get to work on time and the kids can come and have a nice meal and it sets them up well for the day.

“I don’t see any downside to it.”

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