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'Life-changing' breakfast club could be extended

Phil Bodmer/BBC A group of primary school children dressed in red uniforms, sit on either side of a long dining table eating and drinking. Some are smiling at the camera.Phil Bodmer/BBC
Pupils at Burton Green Primary School in York have enjoyed free breakfasts since the start of the year

A "life-changing" free breakfast club for primary pupils could be rolled out to further schools in York.

Children at Burton Green Primary School in the city have been entitled to free pre-school food and drink since the start of 2024 as part of a pilot scheme.

The school's head teacher said pupils' attendance and academic performance had considerably improved since its introduction.

With a similar lunchtime scheme at nearby Westfield Primary Community School also deemed a success, City of York Council said the breakfast club could be extended to two more schools.

Phil Bodmer/BBC A caterer wearing a black apron stands in a school kitchen, holding a tray of what appears to be jelly in small glass dishes.Phil Bodmer/BBC
Pupils' attendance and academic performance has been boosted by the pilot, according to the school

In the Autumn Budget, the government announced plans to fund free breakfast clubs in 750 state-funded primary schools across the UK from April.

York's pilot scheme was funded by a combination of the council, Persimmon Homes and from donations to the York Hungry Minds appeal.

Ash McGann, Burton Green head teacher, said the benefits of providing nutritious food to the children before school had been "amazing".

"I think it's a brilliant transition from home to school, because the children have time to chat to their friends and staff," she said.

"It has honestly been life-changing for the school and the community - the children are so settled in class, there's no behavioural issues."

Georgey Spanswick asks whether all York primary schools could give children free meals?

The head teacher continued: "Academically, they're ready to focus for the start of the day.

"They're not coming into school hungry or having had sugary breakfasts."

Santiago, one of about 50 pupils attending the club, said he thought the service was "great".

"You get food, but also get to be with your mates, talk and play games with them," he said.

Niamh said she enjoyed the club as it "helps your brain get set" for lessons.

Chloe Bird, whose son attended the club, said: "I think it's great, because I can get to work on time and the children can come and have a nice meal and it sets them off for the day right.

"I don't see any disadvantages to it whatsoever."

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