750 Schools, Including Hanham, Launch Free Breakfast Clubs in April

The UK government is launching a pilot program for free breakfast clubs in 750 primary schools, including several in Gloucestershire and Hounslow, starting in April. The initiative aims to ensure children are school-ready while alleviating financial pressures on families, particularly amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that the clubs would help break the link between socio-economic background and educational success. However, concerns have been raised about the funding adequacy, especially since many selected schools are in more affluent areas with low free school meal eligibility. Critics, including shadow schools minister Neil O’Brien, argue that the program should prioritize more deprived schools instead. In Harrow, a council motion is set to support the universal rollout of these breakfast clubs, highlighting their benefits for children's wellbeing and academic performance.