Thousands of children in disadvantaged areas in England will be
offered nutritious breakfasts in the next two academic years, to
better support their attainment, wellbeing and readiness to
learn.
A healthy breakfast can help children and young people with their
concentration and behaviour. Today (9 July), Family Action has
been confirmed by the Department for Education as the delivery
partner for the National School Breakfast Programme – building on
the Government’s commitment to level up children’s outcomes
across England.
Backed by up to £24 million of government investment, Family
Action will source and deliver breakfast food products to schools
from September, and through the programme support up to 2,500
schools between 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Children and Families Minister
said:
“The National School Breakfast Programme is a fantastic scheme,
helping some of the most disadvantaged children across the
country kick start their day with a good, healthy meal, which can
be so important in helping their concentration and behaviour
during the school day.
“Family Action will lead this delivery in schools, backed by our
£24 million investment, meaning hundreds of thousands of children
can benefit from breakfast clubs over the next two years – I
encourage all eligible schools to sign up.”
David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action
said:
“We are delighted to be delivering the new National School
Breakfast Programme having delivered the previous NSBP since
2018. This is great news for hundreds of thousands of children
across the country who will have access to a free healthy school
breakfast without barrier or stigma. We know this gives children
the very best chance to learn from the start of their school
day.”
The National School Breakfast Programme continues the
government’s commitment to levelling up outcomes for young people
with their education and getting them back on track as they
recover from the pandemic, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
This includes through the 12 Opportunity Areas, which will be
targeted by the National School Breakfast Programme as they
improve social mobility through education.
Thousands of children will also continue to benefit from the
Holiday Activities and Food programme, expanded nationally this
year with a £220 million investment, which will continue this
summer in every local authority across England free for children
eligible for free school meals.
Schools will be able to access guidance published today, which
will support them with the delivery of breakfast clubs as well as
setting out eligibility and how to sign up.
--ENDS--
Notes to editors
- Guidance for the National School Breakfast Programme can be
found here.
- Eligible schools (those where there are 50% or more pupils in
IDACI bands A-F) can sign up for the programme here.
- Evidence published by the EEF has indicated that breakfast
club schools have previously seen an improvement in pupil
behaviour and attendance, as well as additional progress for
pupils in Key Stage 1. Read more here.
- More information about Opportunity Areas can be found
here.
