Learn about the roll out of 750 new free breakfast clubs in schools in England.
Hunger impacts on wellbeing, behaviour, attendance and academic performance. However, with the cost-of-living-crisis many more families need support with providing nutritional meals for their children (and with meeting childcare costs). Today (22nd April 2025), hundreds of free new breakfast clubs opened in schools across England. This first phase of the UK government’s free breakfast clubs scheme, works towards the “government’s manifesto promise to ensure state schools offer free breakfast clubs to all pupils, while supporting its Plan for Change milestone to ensure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn.” 1 The intention is for the programme to eventually be available in every primary school in England. This initial phase, rolled out in nine regions of England, will help the government in ensuring the programme works effectively before extending it to further schools.
About the breakfast clubs
- 750 new free breakfast clubs have been rolled out in England, giving 180,000 pupils in disadvantaged communities access
- The free sessions are 30 minutes long (taking place before school) and provide children with nutritious breakfasts (that meet School Food Standards)
- The clubs are intended to help every child start the day ready to learn
- The government has said the programme will also support with the cost-of-living crisis and childcare for parents/carers
- It is estimated parents/carers will save up to 95 hours and £450 a year through their children attending these free breakfast clubs 2, 3
“At a time when there is so much pressure on families, they provide real help with the cost of living and ensure children start the day with a nutritious meal…These clubs will break down barriers and help children settle in, focus and get the most out of their learning,” explains UK Education secretary, Bridget Phillipson. 3
Learn more about the free breakfast club scheme.
What are your thoughts on the new free breakfast clubs scheme?
Is your school part of the early adoption phase? If so, we would love to hear about how the roll out has kicked off in your school.
References
- GOV.UK (2025) ‘Parents get 95 hours back as free Breakfast Clubs are rolled out’ Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/parents-get-95-hours-back-as-free-breakfast-clubs-are-rolled-out (Accessed: 22nd April 2025)
- Education Hub (2025) ‘Free breakfast club roll out: everything you need to know’ Available at: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/free-breakfast-club-roll-out-everything-you-need-to-know/ (Accessed: 22 April 2025)
- GOV.UK (2025) ‘Free breakfast clubs roll out as costs for families cut by £8,000’ Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/free-breakfast-clubs-roll-out-as-costs-for-families-cut-by-8000 (Accessed: 22 April 2025)
