School mornings just got easier for families across the country
as 750 schools open breakfast clubs today, offering 30 minutes of
free childcare, a healthy start for kids and a little more
breathing room before the school bell rings.
Parents will be supported with additional time at the start of
the day to attend appointments, get to work on time and run
errands. In total, this means parents will be able to save up to
95 additional hours and £450 per year if their child attends free
breakfast clubs every day.
This amount rises to a saving of up to £8000 every year when
combining the free breakfast clubs with further support through
the expansion of government-funded childcare and new school
uniform cap on branded items.
With the cost of everyday essentials stretching budgets, these
clubs will be a lifeline for working families simply trying to
get by. When you're raising a family, every penny counts and
that's why the government is stepping in to ease the pressure and
put money back in parents' pockets.
No matter the postcode or the pay packet, every child deserves
the same chance to thrive. That's the principle behind this
rollout — real support for families in every corner of the
country, so no one is left behind.
These clubs sit alongside action to tackle the cost of living,
with inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing
faster than prices and fuel duty frozen. Together, they show the
Plan for Change is delivering for working families.
Prime Minister said:
“As a parent, I know that the combined pressures of family life
and work can often feel impossible to juggle. That is why our
manifesto promised to make parents lives easier and put more
money in their pockets with free breakfast clubs. Under a year
since we came into office, this government is delivering that
through our Plan for Change.
“The rollout of free breakfast clubs is a truly game-changing
moment for families in this country. They mean parents will no
longer be hamstrung by rigid school hours and have the breathing
space they need to beat the morning rush, attend work meetings
and doctors' appointments, or run errands. And crucially, it
means better life chances for children.
“By making these clubs free and universal, we're doing something
that previous governments have never done. We're going further
and faster to deliver the change working families deserve. That's
the change this government was elected to deliver.”
Education Secretary said:
“Free breakfast clubs are a central part of our Plan for Change.
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.
“On top of the hectic school run, parents should not have to
worry about how to balance work and getting their children fed
and ready for school. These clubs will break down barriers and
help children settle in, focus and get the most out of their
learning.
“We are delivering on our promises and giving every child the
best start in life while making sure families get the support
they need, wherever they live.”
According to new government data, parents are also motivated to
take up free breakfast clubs because of the improvements they can
have on their wellbeing.
Many see them as is an opportunity to socialise with other
children before school (30%) and spend more time doing the
activities they enjoy (28%) – offering a supportive start to the
day that leads to better behaviour, and better life chances.
The rollout delivers on 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.
Victoria Taylor, mum of two children aged 5 and 7,
said:
“For me, free breakfast clubs provide vital support, meaning I
can get into work a little easier and ensure my two kids are
settled and ready to learn.
“I'm a primary school teacher, so early mornings are a must
however I try to not let my busy schedule dictate the pace of
mornings.
“Taking my children to breakfast clubs means I know they are fed,
ready to start the day and emotionally regulated – the commitment
to rollout nationally will make the world of difference for
working families.”
ENDS
- The up to £8,000 savings figure is calculated through free
breakfast clubs saving up to £450, the branded uniform cap saving
up to £50 and the 30 hours of government-funded childcare in full
from September will save parents up to £7,500 a year.
- Funding for the first 300 school-based nurseries will take a
massive step towards delivering 30 hours of government-funded
childcare in full of September.
