Harrow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Harrow schools pioneer government-backed free breakfast clubs initiative, aiming to support families and boost pupil productivity amidst rising costs.
The Welldon Park Academy, Weald Rise, and Glebe Primary Schools have been chosen to participate in the program, which offers free breakfasts and half an hour of childcare every morning in an effort to support families.
The program will launch in April as part of the Labour government’s broader rollout. It is intended to help parents get to work while making sure kids are prepared to learn when they get to school.
Breakfast clubs have been found to enhance academic achievement, attendance, and behavior.
Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, said:
“I am absolutely delighted Welldon Park has been selected as one of the first schools to benefit from Labour’s free breakfast clubs and I cannot wait to open the club in April.
It’s a testament to both the school and the Labour government’s dedication to getting children school-ready so they are able to improve their attendance, attainment and wellbeing, as well as improving the household finances of local families.
Through our Plan for Change, this Labour government is boosting parents’ work choices and children’s life chances.”
Approximately 67,000 youngsters in underprivileged areas would benefit from the program, according to the government, which also aims to combat child poverty.
All students from participating schools are welcome to attend the breakfast clubs, which will be open to all.
Rachel Bates, Headteacher at The Welldon Park Academy, said:
“We are delighted to be one of the early adopter schools. For our setting the funding will help provide a breakfast and supportive start to the day for our pupils.
We know breakfast clubs can make a massive difference to pupils’ well being providing them with time to settle in, socialise with schools and get ready to learn.”
The program is part of the government’s broader childcare ambitions, which also include expanding wraparound care to provide daycare for all elementary school students from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It is anticipated that the breakfast clubs concept would then be fully implemented nationwide.
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:
“Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.
Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn.
Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.”
How will the free breakfast clubs impact student attendance and behaviour?
Free breakfast clubs make sure kids have a healthy breakfast to start the day, which can improve their learning readiness. As children feel more equipped for the school day, this could subtly promote more regular attendance.
These clubs can assist families in better managing their morning routines by offering a complimentary meal and enabling parents to drop off their kids sooner. This could result in better punctuality and fewer late arrivals.
Despite the possible advantages, several head teachers are doubtful that breakfast clubs will have a major impact on attendance rates. The program may not directly affect attendance, according to nearly two-thirds of respondents.
Breakfast clubs give kids a chance to socialize with their classmates, which helps them make friends and feel less alone. As kids build stronger bonds with their peers, this social interaction can result in better behavior.