The government has unveiled a major expansion of free school breakfast clubs, a move set to save families feeling the sharpest squeeze from the cost of living crisis up to £450 per year.
Targeted Support for Deprived Communities
Starting Thursday, primary schools where at least 40% of pupils qualify for free school meals can apply for funding to establish these clubs. The initiative is deliberately targeted at communities most impacted by rising living costs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the rollout, stating it will ensure half a million more children do not begin their school day hungry. The programme will also save working parents approximately 95 hours in childcare annually.
Increased Funding and Rollout Schedule
Following feedback from a pilot scheme, the government has increased the funding allocated to schools. Each participating school will now receive £25 per day for staffing and £1 per child, a significant rise from the 60p per pupil offered during the initial trial phase.
Funding for 500 schools will commence in April 2026, with a further 1,500 schools joining the programme the following September.
Leadership and Sector Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, referencing his own childhood, said the clubs are prioritising those feeling the sharpest squeeze to directly tackle child poverty. I grew up in a family where every bill mattered, he said, emphasising his understanding of the pressure on family finances.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders' union NAHT, welcomed the increased funding, noting that funding levels are the primary concern for school leaders. Pepe Di'Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders added that the funding rate must be kept under review to ensure the clubs' long-term viability.
The Department for Education highlighted that during the pilot, 38% of parents surveyed found it difficult to provide a healthy breakfast before school, underscoring the programme's necessity.
