NEWSROOM

Funded through the Government’s free breakfast club programme, which began as a pilot in March last year, the scheme has now been expanded to provide funding for an additional 12 schools across the Borough, helping more children start the day ready to learn.

The funding allows schools to provide 30 minutes of free childcare every day for all pupils as well as a hearty breakfast.

Lawley Primary School was the first Borough school to be chosen to take part in the pilot project in March last year. The breakfast club programme expanded in the summer term to include Woodlands, Windmill, Holmer Lake and John Randall primary schools.

The scheme has expanded again this autumn to include Randlay Primary School, Grange Park Primary School, Hollinswood Primary School, John Fletcher of Madeley Primary School, Hadley Learning Community School (HLC), William Reynolds Primary School, Ladygrove Primary School, Donnington Wood Infant School, Donnington Wood Junior School, Millbrook Primary School. Old Park Primary School and Wombridge Primary School.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:

"We welcome the additional funding that the programme is providing in our Borough, allowing a total of 17 primary schools to offer 30 minutes of free childcare and a free breakfast to every pupil every day.

“These breakfast clubs are making a real difference for families, helping to ease the pressures of the morning routine while providing additional support for parents and carers balancing work and family life, who I’m sure will welcome the flexibility to drop children off at school 30 minutes earlier at no cost.

“Just as importantly, children can start each day with a healthy breakfast, giving them the energy and focus they need to make the most of their learning.

“As a Child Friendly Telford and Wrekin, we're committed to helping children and young people have the best possible start in life, and initiatives like this help create the conditions for them to thrive, succeed and reach their full potential."

Ruth Angeloff, Headteacher at Williams Reynolds Primary School, said:

“We are delighted to have launched our free breakfast club in September at William Reynolds, providing around 60 children each day with a healthy breakfast and a positive start to their school day. It offers our pupils a welcoming space to socialise with friends, feel ready to learn and begin the day feeling settled and supported.

“We know that starting the morning well can make a real difference to children’s wellbeing, confidence and readiness to learn, and we are proud to be able to offer this provision to our families. We hope to continue to raise awareness of the club and increase the number of children attending, ensuring that even more pupils can benefit from a nutritious breakfast and a positive start to their school day.”