Primary school breakfast clubs are facing an uncertain future despite soaring demand, with new research showing that staffing shortages are one of the biggest obstacles to expanding provision. A survey of 1,000 primary school teachers found that 73% said demand for breakfast clubs has grown over the past five years, yet only one in five believe they will be able to expand their club to meet that demand.
Demand Outstrips Capacity
The research, commissioned by Kellogg's, also revealed that 71% of teachers do not believe enough children have access to breakfast clubs they require. A separate survey of 2,000 parents of primary school children found that nearly half admitted they would struggle to arrive at work on time without breakfast clubs, with 35% saying they would need to cut their working hours or request greater flexibility from their employer if the clubs were no longer available.
Staffing shortages represent one of the most significant obstacles to expanding breakfast club provisions (27%), along with a shortage of dining space (24%) and lack of equipment (19%). Consequently, one in seven teachers say capacity could reduce or their club could close if no additional support is provided in the next one to three years.
Celebrating 15 Years of Awards
The cereal giant is marking 15 years of its Breakfast Club Awards, honouring the staff, volunteers and children who go above and beyond to make their clubs special each morning. Winning schools will receive a £1,000 cash grant to enhance their breakfast club, with teachers and pupils invited to an awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in November.
Of the teachers who have applied for or won a cash grant over the past 15 years, 96% reported improvements in pupils' concentration, with 94% noting better punctuality. A further 93% observed positive effects on children's ability to form friendships and socialise.
Community Effort Behind Every Club
The research also highlighted the dedication required from the whole community to make breakfast clubs happen every day, with half of teachers involved in delivering breakfast club provision and spending between three to five hours each week helping to run their club. Meanwhile, 46% of teachers say friends and family volunteer their time to assist, and a third say pupils' parents are amongst the unsung heroes giving up their time to help keep school breakfast clubs operating.
Dean O'Brien, UK general manager at Kellogg's, said: "We've supported school breakfast clubs for nearly 30 years in the UK, so we know the dedication it takes to make breakfast clubs happen day in, day out, and our research backs up that up. At a time when many families are facing cost pressures and busy morning routines, breakfast clubs are more important than ever."
"We're so proud to honour the care and support which teachers, volunteers and the wider school communities pour into their breakfast clubs every morning. They are a welcoming, thriving part of the school day and help to set every child up for their best start."
