Labour claim their plan to bring free breakfast clubs to every primary school will slash absence and save parents £400 a year
Free breakfast clubs proposed by Labor for every primary school would reduce absenteeism and save parents £400 a year, the party said yesterday.
Labor education spokesperson Bridget Phillipson said she wants every child to have the chance of a free nutritious breakfast before starting the day – regardless of family income.
This means those who already pay for breakfast clubs would save £400 a year under Labour’s plans to make the meals free. And anyone switching from more expensive morning childcare to a free breakfast club would save £2,000 a year.
The policy is also aimed at helping the most vulnerable children, whose families may be struggling with food bills.
Labor calculates that offering free breakfast for all would reduce school absenteeism by 450,000 days.
Free breakfast clubs proposed by Labor for every primary school would reduce school absenteeism and save parents £400 a year, the party said yesterday
Previous research has shown that free breakfast clubs increase attendance and punctuality, in part because they provide more incentive for children to go to school and arrive early.
Ms Phillipson said: Families’ childcare needs do not end when their children leave nursery. That’s why we set up free breakfast clubs at every English primary school.
‘We fund our clubs by tackling tax evaders and saving hardworking parents more than £400 every year.
Labor education spokesperson Bridget Phillipson said she wants every child to have the chance of a free nutritious breakfast before they start the day – regardless of family income
‘Breakfast clubs are proven to improve children’s behavior and grades, and get children who regularly miss lessons back to school, giving them a good start to the day and getting them ready to learn.’
Many schools already have breakfast clubs, funded from their own budgets or with food provided through the government’s National School Breakfast Club Programme. However, only schools in disadvantaged areas are eligible for this scheme, which provides breakfast free of charge.
Charities such as Magic Breakfast also provide morning meals at schools.
