More schools to offer free breakfast clubs
As the government has confirmed plans to extend its free breakfast club programme, one Borough primary school is looking back on how being part of the pilot scheme has transformed the start of the school day for its pupils.
In March last year, Lawley Primary School was chosen to take part in the government’s free breakfast club pilot, enabling the school to offer a free breakfast and 30 minutes free childcare for every pupil.
The club run by familiar well‑trained staff, has offered consistency and reassurance and created a calm and supportive start to the school day, which has been particularly helpful for children who find mornings difficult.
The school has also seen clear improvements in punctuality, confidence, and overall wellbeing, with many pupils choosing to attend every day.
Sarah Nicholas, Operational lead at Lawley Primary School, said:
“The club continues to strengthen relationships, support wellbeing, and set pupils up for a positive day. We have approximately 120 children attending each morning, although porridge day proved extremely popular, with 145 children joining us.
“It’s been wonderful to see how much the children value this positive start to their school day.”
This week, the government has confirmed plans to extend the programme to hundreds of schools across the country. A further five schools in the Borough have been included and will join Lawley Primary in offering the free breakfast club.
These include Holmer Lake Primary School, Woodlands Primary School, William Reynolds Primary School and Nursery, John Randall Primary School, Windmill Primary School.
Sarah adds:
“Strong communication with parents, careful monitoring of attendance, and a willingness to adapt based on children’s feedback have all helped keep attendance numbers high. Lawley is now supporting neighbouring schools to develop their own provision, sharing effective practice and practical guidance.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:
“I welcome the expansion of free breakfast clubs to another five schools in our Borough, which will provide vital support to hundreds of pupils and their families.
“We know that the club at Lawley Primary School is already making a real difference, particularly for working parents and carers who value the flexibility of being able to drop their children off 30 minutes earlier.
“The school is also seeing the positive impact this has on pupils’ readiness to start the school day, with children arriving nourished, settled, prepared and ready to learn.”