LABOUR is rolling out free breakfast clubs to save working families up to £450 and set children up to start the day ready to learn.
Two schools in Thurrock are among the first 750 selected to offer clubs from April, delivering on government’s Plan for Change.
67,000 pupils in England’s most disadvantaged communities will benefit in first phase of the programme.
Pupils and parents in Thurrock will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs, as the Labour government confirms the first 750 schools to offer the scheme.
From as soon as April, all primary aged pupils at Bonnygate Primary School and Shaw Primary will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day.
Universal free breakfast clubs are central to Labour’s Plan for Change, removing barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn and helping to support parents getting into work. Research has shown that the clubs have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment, and could bring up to £450 of saving per year for household finances.
The rollout of the scheme at these two schools is part of an early adopter phase of the programme, set to inform Labour’s landmark national rollout which will give every family in England access to the scheme.
Early Adopter schools, including Shaw Primary and Bonnygate Primary School, will shape the future of the national breakfast club policy, contributing directly to its implementation
The clubs – which deliver on promises to working parents in Labour’s manifesto – come alongside a raft of measures designed to cut the cost of living for families, including the commitment to significantly cut uniform costs through a cap on branded items, and complement the government-funded childcare.
Jen Craft MP, Member of Parliament for Thurrock, said:
“It’s fantastic news that two of our local primary schools will be among the first to offer one of Labour’s free breakfast clubs.
“The selection of Shaw Primary and Bonnygate Primary School in the first phase of the scheme is testament to the dedication of school staff and will make a huge difference for local families.
“By ensuring children start the school day ready to learn and giving parents more flexibility in getting to work, these clubs will boost children’s life chances and support working parents.
“This delivers on Labour’s manifesto promise to support working families and give children the best start to life, and I’m delighted that pupils and parents in Thurrock will be among the first to benefit.”
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.”
