The Government has announced a major expansion of free school breakfast clubs that could save struggling families up to £450 per year while ensuring children don't start the school day hungry.
Targeting Areas of Greatest Need
The Department for Education revealed that primary schools where 40% or more pupils qualify for free school meals will be able to apply for funding starting Thursday. This targeted approach aims to support communities feeling the sharpest squeeze from the cost of living crisis.
Funding will initially be available for 500 schools to open breakfast clubs from April 2026, with an additional 1,500 schools joining the programme in September. The DfE confirmed it has increased funding for the average school by 28% following concerns raised during the pilot phase.
Increased Funding Following Union Feedback
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, welcomed the Government's response to feedback from trial schools. "We're very pleased the Government has listened to feedback from the trial schools and increased the funding for free school breakfast clubs," he said.
During the pilot stage, school leaders had reported that the initial funding levels were insufficient. The per pupil funding has now been increased from 60p to £1 per child daily, with schools also receiving £25 per day for staffing.
The improved funding package represents a significant increase from the pilot phase, which offered schools 78p per pupil eligible for free school meals, plus £500 for setup costs and £1,099 termly funding.
Broader Impact on Families and Education
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shared his personal connection to the initiative, stating: "I grew up in a family where every bill mattered, and I know what it feels like for parents trying to make ends meet." He emphasised that the breakfast clubs are prioritising communities most affected by rising living costs.
The expansion is expected to serve half a million more children from April while saving parents valuable time - up to 95 hours in childcare annually. Research conducted during the pilot revealed that 38% of parents struggle to provide their children with a healthy breakfast before school.
Duncan Jacques, chief executive officer of Exceed Academies Trust, noted that the increased funding rate will enable more trusts to sustain breakfast club offerings. However, Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, cautioned that funding levels must remain under review to ensure long-term viability.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the dual benefits of the programme: "Our free breakfast clubs are ensuring over half a million more children don't start the school day hungry, and save working parents around £450 a year."
