Free breakfast clubs to open in 500 more schools – here’s how to apply

Hundreds more schools across England will get funding to provide free breakfast clubs for their pupils.

The clubs, which allow kids to come into school half an hour early to start their day with a healthy breakfast, could save parents up to £450 a year according to government figures.

It’s expected that the next phase of the roll-out will expand the programme to half a million more children around the country.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Department for Education is currently ‘prioritising those communities feeling the sharpest squeeze’.

He said: ‘I grew up in a family where every bill mattered, and I know what it feels like for parents trying to make ends meet.’

Applications have now launched for the new phase of the scheme, with 500 more schools expected to roll out the clubs from next April.

How to apply

Schools where 40% or more of pupils can access free school meals are eligible to apply on the National School Breakfast Programme site.

The government has said it is anticipated that every primary school in England will eventually offer free breakfast clubs.

Currently, the funding level is £1 per pupil with £25 for staffing costs at each participating site.

That is an increase of 28% for the average school, after initial criticism that the funding was not sufficient to run the clubs.

Daniel Kabede, the head of the National Education Union, said: ‘We are pleased that government is taking steps to uplift funding for some schools.

‘We’re keen to see the Government make sure that children in special and alternative education do not miss out. It is crucial that stretched school budgets are not further challenged by plans that are not fully funded.’

Free breakfast clubs are already offered at every school in London and Wales, while Scotland is currently in the process of rolling out the scheme.

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