Essex schools to benefit from Government free breakfast clubs

From as soon as April, the schools will kick-off the programme as “early adopters” before the scheme is rolled out across the country.

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All primary school children in the scheme will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare, every day, helping to support parents getting into work by dropping their children off half an hour earlier.

The Labour Government has highlighted universal free breakfast clubs as central to its “plan for change” which aims at “removing barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn”.

Early adopter - Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Leigh (Image: Google Street View) Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of our 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 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.”

To benefit - Laindon Park Primary School (Image: Google Street View) Schools in south Essex selected include:

• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Leigh
• St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Basildon
• St Helen’s Catholic Primary School, Westcliff
• Kents Hill Junior School, Benfleet
• Ortu Corringham Primary School and Nursery, Corringham
• Laindon Park Primary School, Laindon
• Hilltop Infant School, Wickford
• Down Hall Primary School, Rayleigh
• Shaw Primary, South Ockendon

Government research shows 87 per cent of parents think breakfast clubs are a good chance for children to socialise, and 66 per cent recognise the value of clubs providing educational activities.

Sir David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action, said: “Family Action welcomes the Government’s announcement of the 750 schools who have been selected to take part in the Early Adopters Scheme.

“These schools will have a vital test and learn role which will undoubtedly inform the national rollout of the Government’s exciting universal breakfast policy.

“We know an effective breakfast provision delivered in a supportive and enriching environment can make the world of difference to a child.”