Parents Prioritising Primary Schools with Free Breakfast Clubs

Over 300,000 children are set to benefit from the "Best Start" free breakfast clubs this April. The government is prioritising this support to tackle the cost of living and help parents balance work and family life. Schools already in the programme have served 7 million meals, saving families up to £450 and 95 hours of time per year.

Data shows that these clubs improve school attendance, attainment, and behaviour. Currently, nearly half (45%) of parents prioritise schools that offer these clubs.

Expanding the Programme

• New Applications: Applications open today for 1,500 more schools to join by September 2026;

• Reach: The expansion aims to benefit 680,000 children by September; and

• Funding: The scheme is backed by £80 million, specifically targeting disadvantaged areas.

Removing Stigma

The universal nature of the clubs helps reduce the stigma of receiving support.

• 60% of parents are more likely to use the service when it is available to everyone; and

• 38% of single parents reported feeling guilt when accessing free support, compared to 28% of coupled parents. Providing these clubs to all students helps normalise the service.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson: "Free breakfast clubs are revolutionising morning routines... becoming an essential part of modern-day life for working families. I was raised by a single parent, so I know first-hand the struggles facing parents trying to make ends meet."

Diane Newton, Headteacher at Field Road Academy: "For our school, a free breakfast club will enormously improve attendance and set our pupils up for a day of learning... ending the perception support should only be for those most in need."

Additional Government Support Measures

The breakfast club initiative is part of a broader plan to help families, which includes:

• 30 hours of free childcare per week (saving parents up to £7,500);

• Expanding free school meals to 500,000 more children;

• Building more school-based nurseries;

• Lowering the cost of branded school uniforms; and

• Scrapping the two-child benefit limit to lift children out of poverty.

Industry Partnerships

The government has secured partnerships with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Weetabix, and Magic Breakfast through July 2026. These brands will provide schools with discounts, free deliveries, and healthier food options.

For more information on free breakfast clubs: school case studies, CLICK HERE