Free Breakfast Club Improves Attendance and Pupil Wellbeing
Lawley Primary School in Telford reports improved attendance and that pupils are "more settled" since the introduction of a free breakfast club.
The school was among 750 to join the government-funded scheme launched in April last year. Since its inception, approximately 120 children have participated in the daily 30-minute sessions.
Head teacher Carol McQuiggan described the pilot, which is set to expand to five additional primary schools in the town, as having a "really positive impact".
"Teachers do report the children are more settled to learn, they've had 30 minutes of social time with their friends, they've had a nice healthy breakfast and then they are better in class,"she said.
McQuiggan also noted that the free club contributed to increased attendance.
"It's an option now that parents can get their children here at 08:15 GMT and sometimes that works better for families,"she explained.
Initially, the head teacher had concerns about the potential pressure on staff and whether the funding would be sufficient.
"The costs are always important,"she said,
"but with 68p from the government, per pupil, per day, it was a sustainable model."
Pupil Experiences and Benefits
Students who regularly attend the club praised the food options, which include cereal, toast, and porridge, and shared how the scheme has benefited them.
Lily, aged 10, said the club helped her have a calm morning and made her feel "more ready to learn."
Isla, also 10, commented on her increased energy and social interactions.
"When I go into my classroom, I have energy to go and learn, whereas when I don't [go to the club], I feel very tired."
"I've also started playing with different children from my class and made new friends,"she added.
Isabelle, aged 11, described the club as providing an "energy boost" and preparing her for the day.
"I feel like I can connect with my friends before the day starts, it's really nice,"she said.
"It's definitely the best toast in the world. When I'm at home I ask my mum for breakfast club toast."
Parental Perspectives and Financial Impact
Parents have echoed the positive effects of the scheme, highlighting its benefits amid rising living costs.
Sam, a parent with three children at the school, said that before the pilot, the £3 daily cost per child made the breakfast club unaffordable.
Since it became free, she noted improvements in her family's morning routine and her ability to work two jobs.
"It's made big an impact in enabling me to go to shift work and also run my own business around that. For us it's a massive help,"she said.
Anish, whose son and daughter attend the club five days a week, emphasized its importance for working parents.
"We are working parents, I commute to Birmingham and my wife works at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford,"he said.
"We can't function without it and it's light on our pockets, that's a big thing for us."
Expansion of the Breakfast Club Scheme
Following the pilot's success, Holmer Lake, John Randall, Windmill Primary, Woodlands Primary, and William Reynolds primary schools will also implement the breakfast clubs.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds welcomed the expansion, stating it would provide "vital support" to hundreds of pupils and families.
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