Aimed at supporting families amid the cost-of-living crisis, free breakfast clubs will ensure no child begins their day hungry
Children in Haringey will soon start their school days with full stomachs and focused minds, thanks to a new initiative providing free breakfast clubs. Aimed at supporting families amid the cost-of-living crisis, these clubs will ensure no child begins their day hungry.
Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), Earlham Primary, St Mary Infant and Junior Schools, and Holy Trinity CE Primary are among 750 schools participating in a national pilot scheme set to launch this summer term.
These 30-minute breakfast sessions are designed to improve school attendance and academic achievement. Research has shown that breakfast clubs enhance children’s reading, writing, and maths skills by an average of two months. Beyond nutrition, these clubs also provide structured activities such as reading and crafts, fostering both learning and social connections.
As part of a planned national rollout, parents will be able to drop their children off at school 30 minutes earlier, potentially saving up to £450 annually on breakfast costs. Schools participating in the early adopter scheme will directly contact families eligible for the programme. The selection of participating schools reflects a diverse mix of school types, sizes, and locations across England.
“Thank you to the DfE for funding this much needed initiative and we hope this pilot demonstrates its transformative impact and paves the way for implementation across all schools in Haringey.”
-Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families
Cllr Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, welcomed the initiative: “Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast is essential for young minds. The benefits are clear, from improved reading, writing, and maths skills to overall academic performance.
“I’m grateful to the DfE for funding this much-needed initiative, and I hope this pilot highlights its positive impact, paving the way for expansion to all schools in Haringey. With families across the borough struggling with rising living costs, this programme will offer vital support.
“This initiative is about more than just food—it’s about investing in brighter futures for our children.” The cost-of-living crisis continues to place financial strain on families in Haringey. Of the 180,000 children set to benefit from the pilot, approximately 67,000 attend schools in deprived areas. This programme represents a crucial step towards ensuring that every child has the nourishment they need to thrive in school and beyond.
