Thousands of children across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region will soon enjoy free breakfasts at school, thanks to the launch of 84 new breakfast clubs.
According to the Department for Education (DfE), around 49,000 pupils will gain a “better start” to their day as these clubs open their doors to all children from April. Research shows that when breakfast clubs are available universally, six in ten families are more likely to take advantage of this valuable support.
Diane Newton, Head Teacher at Field Road Academy, highlighted the benefits: “A free breakfast club will significantly boost attendance and prepare our pupils for a productive school day. By making the club free and open to everyone, we remove any stigma around accessing free meals and show that support is for all families, not just those in greatest need.”
READ MORE: Nine Key Money Changes Coming in February: From Alcohol Duty Hikes to Smart Meter Compensation
READ MORE: Higher-Rate Taxpayers Urged to Claim £1,756 Pension Tax Relief from HMRC
Families already involved in the programme have benefited from receiving 1.1 million free meals in the West Midlands alone, saving up to £450 annually per family. The initiative also frees up to 95 morning hours, giving parents vital time to get to work or manage their day more effectively.
The Government emphasizes that healthy breakfasts and earlier arrival at school contribute to improved attendance, behavior, and academic achievement.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised the programme: “Free breakfast clubs are transforming morning routines nationwide, providing essential support to working families. From helping children settle into their school day to easing parents’ commuting challenges, these clubs offer every child a great start in life. Having been raised by a single parent, I understand the struggles families face and the importance of tackling stigma with accessible, practical help.”
Applications open today for 1,500 more schools to join the scheme in September, aiming to reach 680,000 children across the UK.
Below is the complete list of West Midlands schools participating in the free breakfast club programme, including their postcodes and locations:
[List of Schools as provided]
Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, remarked, “This announcement is fantastic news for parents, especially those managing work and school drop-offs. Breakfast clubs support children in starting their day positively, and parents will welcome this initiative.”
Would free breakfast clubs benefit your family? Feel free to share your thoughts by contacting us at [email protected].