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Breakfast Clubs Early Adopters 2025-02-24
24 February 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Employment
Other Contributors: 35
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson raised concerns about breakfast clubs early adopters 2025-02-24 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today I am announcing that the Government is delivering on its promise to provide free breakfast clubs in every primary school. Over 750 schools have been confirmed as early adopters, with more than 180,000 children expected to benefit from these clubs starting April 2024. The scheme will save families up to £450 a year and improve behaviour, attendance, and attainment in schools. We are working on legislation through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to cement this initiative. This is part of our broader commitment to early years education, increasing funding for childcare entitlements from 15 hours to 30 hours per week for eligible families.
Neil O’Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Question
Will the Secretary of State guarantee continued funding for existing free breakfast provisions in secondary schools beyond next year?
Minister reply
The Government is committed to providing a sustainable solution. However, specific details regarding continuation are still under consideration.
Neil O’Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Question
According to the IFS report, how does the government plan to fund traditional breakfast clubs beyond a food-only model?
Minister reply
We are considering both models but aim to maximise value for money. The exact approach will be detailed in future announcements.
Neil O’Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Question
How many schools applied to the pilot scheme but subsequently pulled out due to funding shortfalls?
Minister reply
Details on the exact number of schools that dropped out are still being compiled. However, initial feedback indicates some financial challenges which we aim to address.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Constituency Not Provided
Question
The shadow Minister asks a number of questions, but at no point did he welcome the massive investment and the benefits that this provision will bring to children across our country, including in his own constituency—not a word of support. I hope when the breakfast club in his constituency opens, he might take time to visit that school and see the massive benefits being delivered to children and families.
Minister reply
Before responding to the detailed questions raised by the Conservative shadow Minister, I note how disappointing it was that they voted against the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This bill would have halted the roll-out of free breakfast clubs and other beneficial measures for children. The investment in our programme is significant, and we aim to provide substantial benefits to families across the country.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
I welcome the news that St Luke’s Church of England primary school in my constituency will be one of the early adopters of a universal breakfast club under the programme. What steps are being taken to ensure equal access for children with SEND, including specialist staff support and additional transport costs?
Minister reply
Some 754 schools have been selected as early adopters, with 704 mainstream schools and 50 special schools included. We aim to cater for all children’s needs as we roll out the programme. Schools can take part in the pilot scheme so that as we implement nationwide, we ensure proper accommodation of the needs of all children.
Twickenham
Question
With three in 10 children growing up in poverty, any measure to tackle child hunger is welcomed. Can Ministers commit to reviewing and increasing funding rates if pilots show them to be insufficient? What are the plans for school food standards and how will universal free childcare interact with existing breakfast club provision?
Minister reply
There has been some misunderstanding about funding rates. In summer, funding includes an upfront payment of £500 for initial set-up costs and a lump sum of £1,099 to cover staffing costs. Schools also receive per pupil funding, which is higher in special schools due to additional needs. We aim to ensure healthy meals are offered as part of breakfast clubs, and we will keep food standards under review.
Jen Craft
Lab
Thurrock
Question
I warmly welcome today’s announcement of the breakfast club pilot areas, including the two schools in my constituency. However, on the subject of breakfast clubs, as an SEN parent I would like to issue the plea, “Don’t you forget about me.” Too often, SEN parents and their children find that policy moves ahead without them, and there is a risk that we could be slightly overlooked in this area. What measures has the Secretary of State put in place to make sure that disabled children and those with additional needs can fully take part in breakfast clubs?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this important area. She is right that breakfast clubs must be fully inclusive and take account of the needs of all children, including children with SEND. That is why, as part of this process, we have announced 50 special and AP schools that will be taking part in the early adopters scheme. They will receive a higher funding rate of £3.23 a pupil, in addition to support for set-up costs and termly payments.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
The Secretary of State makes a compelling argument on the merits of breakfast for many of our young children and the benefits that it has for learning. Can she say a word or two on two points? First, will she answer the question being raised in the secondary sector about future funding beyond the agreed time period? Secondly, what incentives can she put in place to encourage schools to procure foodstuffs that are produced locally?
Minister reply
I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of supporting local providers where that is possible and the fantastic contribution of British food and wider produce. I just observe that it is my understanding that his constituency is set to benefit from the early adopters scheme. The national school breakfast programme will continue for the next year, but that covers only 75% of food. Schools are required to fund the additional 25% of costs.
Darren Paffey
Lab
Southampton Itchen
Question
I warmly welcome this statement and the firm actions that my right hon. Friend is taking to make sure that we can level the playing field and boost attendance and attainment for children in Southampton Itchen and beyond. I am particularly delighted that St John’s primary and nursery school will get this investment from the Government as part of the early adopters programme. Will the Secretary of State detail what conversations she is having about how the monitoring will work, so that the national roll-out can be based on the best evidence?
Minister reply
I am delighted to hear about the good news for St John’s. My hon. Friend the Member for Southampton Itchen (Darren Paffey) is right to identify the need to develop learning and understanding about what works across the early adopters. The schools taking part in this pilot cover a range of settings, ensuring that we can learn from various contexts before rolling out nationally.
Wolverhampton North East
Question
First, my congratulations go to Pool Hayes primary school in Willenhall for being one of the 750 early adopters. Will the Secretary of State outline how the free universal roll-out of breakfast clubs, alongside capping the number of branded items of uniform and expanding funded childcare, will help families in Wolverhampton North East with the cost of living?
Minister reply
I am delighted that my hon. Friend’s constituency is part of the early adopters programme. Our breakfast clubs scheme is all about making sure that children get a great start to their school day—a welcoming space that provides them with valuable opportunities to play, learn and socialise.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I welcome very much the Secretary of State’s commitment to the scheme. I know it is an England scheme, but we have a similar scheme in Northern Ireland. Every one of us as MPs has attended Kellogg’s events in the House, and we understand the commitment that Kellogg’s can make. Has the Secretary of State considered whether other companies could do similar to what Kellogg’s does in relation to schools?
Minister reply
I agree with the hon. Gentleman that there is always more that we can do, and I note that many companies already involve themselves in important charitable works in this area. Alongside the national roll-out of breakfast clubs that we intend to deliver, we continue to believe that there is an important role for organisations such as Magic Breakfast, Greggs and Kellogg’s in supporting schools and children.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
I welcome the introduction of free breakfast clubs for all primary schools, including Robin Hood primary school in Leeds South West and Morley. Such clubs provide £450 of savings to parents and extra childcare, and we know that children should not have to start the day hungry. What can the Secretary of State tell the primary schools in my constituency about the full roll-out?
Minister reply
We intend to deliver the roll-out as soon as possible, because we know it is urgent, and we know the difference it will make to children’s lives. Free universal breakfast clubs will also mean that every primary school child, no matter their circumstances, is well prepared to learn. That is why we believe in that important provision being universal and available to all children.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
I agree with the Secretary of State that every single child deserves the best start in life, but if we are honest, we know that not every child has that. This programme will make such a big difference to so many children, including children at Van Gogh primary school, Henry Fawcett primary school and Crawford primary school in my constituency. The Secretary of State is always welcome to come and visit any of those three.
Minister reply
I strongly agree with my hon. Friend about the need to ensure that every child has the best start in life. I am grateful for her generous invitation, and I am sure that my hon. Friend the Early Education Minister and I will consider it along with, no doubt, a great many other invitations.
Peter Dowd
Lab
Bootle
Question
I welcome the statement, and it will also be welcomed by the families of children attending St Monica’s Catholic primary school and King’s Lander primary academy. We look forward to the extension and expansion of my right hon. Friend’s proposals. Does she agree that they are food for thought in the most literal and practical sense of the term?
Minister reply
I am delighted to hear about the schools in my hon. Friend’s constituency that are taking part in the scheme. They will play a crucial role in how we find the most effective way of delivering this on a national basis.
Nesil Caliskan
Lab
Barking
Question
Parents and teachers in my constituency will welcome the statement, as will, in particular, Monteagle and Richard Alibon primary schools, which are part of the early roll-out. The Secretary of State referred briefly to the evidence-based relationship between those who attend breakfast clubs and attainment; that is particularly important in my constituency, where 19% of children are frequently absent. Can she give us some more details about the evidence of a link between attendance at breakfast clubs and long-term school attendance?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the significant challenges relating to attendance. Breakfast clubs are an important part of support for children in respect of behaviour, attendance and attainment, and the evidence is very clear in that regard.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for her important policy announcement, and I thank her in particular for the investment in Caversham Park and St Anne’s Catholic primary schools in my constituency. Can she give any further details of the evaluation of the programme over time?
Minister reply
We will update the House to ensure that Members are aware of the continuation of the roll-out and its progress, but also so that we can learn how it is progressing as quickly and effectively as possible.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Question
Gwinear Community primary school is one of the 750 early adopters, and I am extremely pleased that they have joined in. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is part of an overall strategy to ensure that all children can gain access to the education that they deserve—a strategy that has been profoundly missing for the last 14 years?
Minister reply
As my hon. Friend says, breakfast clubs are an important part of ensuring that all children are set up to succeed and every child has the best start in life, but we need to go much further, and indeed, we are doing so as a Labour Government.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Question
I welcome the statement, and I am very glad that Chaucer infant and nursery school in my constituency signed up to the early adopters scheme. When I had the great privilege of visiting the school recently, Miss Dawley gave me an excellent tour and I had a fantastic discussion with the smart school council about its priorities for our community. Free breakfast clubs will provide a real financial boost for families in my constituency, who have struggled greatly as a result of the cost of living crisis. Will the Secretary of State say more about how they will improve the opportunities available to children in Erewash?
Minister reply
I send my best wishes to Miss Dawley and to the whole school community. They are clearly doing fantastic work to support children in my hon. Friend’s area.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Question
The Secretary of State will be well aware of the impact of covid on the wellbeing and attainment of children who are now at primary school, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This welcome intervention will make a massive difference to that covid cohort, but may I press the Secretary of State on the next steps for them, in terms of attainment but also mental health? What is her Department doing to ensure that there is more mental health provision, especially in primary schools?
Minister reply
I think we all recognise, both as constituency Members and from the work that we see taking place across the country, the serious impact of the pandemic on young people and their mental health and the long waiting lists for specialist support from child and adolescent mental health services.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Question
I am delighted that four schools in my constituency are taking part in the scheme—The Ferns primary academy and Farnborough Grange nursery/infant community school in Farnborough, and St Joseph’s Catholic primary school in Aldershot. What is my right hon. Friend’s message to parents in my constituency who are eager for their children’s school to join the scheme so that they can benefit from Labour’s plan for change in Aldershot and Farnborough?
Minister reply
My message to parents in Aldershot and across our country is that this Labour Government are on their side and delivering better work choices for them, and more support for their children at the start of the school day.
Hitchin
Question
As a former teacher and local authority children’s lead, I got to see at first hand the transformative impact that breakfast clubs can have in driving up attendance, attainment and young people’s wellbeing, so I am delighted that not one, not two, but three local schools will benefit from the Government’s early adopters scheme. As excited as I am for primary-age pupils at Meppershall, Shefford lower and Etonbury academy in Stotfold, I want to make sure that even more can benefit. How will the Government make sure that we learn the lessons of the pilots as quickly as possible, so that every pupil in my constituency and across the country who is eligible for the commitment can benefit from it?
Minister reply
The schools in my hon. Friend’s constituency will play an important role in determining how we can roll out this commitment right across our country.
South Cambridgeshire
Question
I thank and congratulate the headteachers and staff at Meldreth, Great Wilbraham and Stapleford primary schools in my constituency. Will the Minister explain to them how important it is that the learning that takes place in those schools will ensure the roll-out of breakfast clubs to all schools in my constituency and across the country?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to the schools in the hon. Lady’s constituency, and to the workforce there, for the fantastic efforts that they have made in order to take part in this scheme.
Chris Clarkson
Lab
Question
In my visits to schools in Hindley, parents often express that having a child is too expensive and exhausting. Will the Secretary of State assure the House that she will closely monitor the timeline for rolling out this programme beyond early adopters?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his work in supporting families. The Government are committed to learning from best practices as we roll out breakfast clubs across different regions, ensuring support is available to all families.
Richard Quigley
Lab
Isle of Wight West
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that Barton primary school in Isle of Wight West has taken an important step forward and that this is one of the many steps to fix an education system ruined by the previous Government?
Minister reply
Attendance on Opposition Benches today has been sparse. I am delighted that my hon. Friend’s constituency will be part of this scheme, allowing us to roll out breakfast clubs making a real difference to children across our country.
Lewis Atkinson
Lab
Sunderland Central
Question
Will the Secretary of State say more about regional variation in the availability of early years staff, which is a challenge in Sunderland?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to identify variations across our country. We are working on ensuring that providers are supported to create places in communities that need them most, and schools will determine how best to use funding for breakfast clubs.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Question
The seven schools benefiting from the early adopters programme represent Carlisle’s full breadth. Will the Secretary of State say more about the opportunity this will unlock for parents?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the diversity of communities covered by our scheme. It offers flexibility at school drop-off times, enabling parents to take on additional hours at work or access city opportunities.
Alice Macdonald
Labour/Co-op
Norwich North
Question
Will the Secretary of State expand on the 'test and learn' principle and how we will feed back improvements to schools on an ongoing basis?
Minister reply
We will provide opportunities for schools to develop best practice, learn from similar settings, and ensure breakfast clubs are as effective and accessible as possible. The scheme will make a big difference to children’s life chances.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that these breakfast clubs show how this Government is not only supporting working parents but delivering on our promise to tackle child poverty?
Minister reply
As a Labour Government, we are determined to make a difference and ensure background is no barrier to success. We are delivering on our commitments, demonstrating the impact of voting Labour.
Sojan Joseph
Lab
Ashford
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that this needs to be rolled out to every primary school as soon as possible?
Minister reply
I agree and we will do so as quickly as we can. My hon. Friend is correct about the positive long-term impact of breakfast clubs on children’s mental health, enabling them to socialise, play, and learn before starting the day.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Mid Cheshire
Question
Can my right hon. Friend tell me what steps are being taken to ensure that breakfast clubs are inclusive and accessible for children with SEND?
Minister reply
I thank school leaders in Mid Cheshire who will be part of our early adopters scheme. We will learn from best practices through this process, ensuring all breakfast clubs are inclusive, including those for children with SEND.
Tom Collins
Lab
Worcester
Question
How does the pilot contribute to ending poverty and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive?
Minister reply
The roll-out of free breakfast clubs aims to tackle child poverty, improve school readiness, enhance wellbeing, and ensure all children have opportunities to achieve success.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Question
Parents and families of children at Knockhall primary school will be delighted that it is a breakfast club early adopter, ensuring pupils start their day well fed and ready to learn. Will the Secretary of State say more about how learning, nutritional, and cost-of-living benefits will be evaluated?
Minister reply
Through the early adopters programme, schools will participate in a peer-to-peer support network to share expertise and approaches at a regional level, crucial for the work we take forward on national roll-out. The school in Dartford will play an essential role in learning what works and spreading best practices across the country.
David Baines
Lab
St Helens North
Question
Three schools in my constituency—Ashurst primary, Garswood primary, and PACE—are part of this initial roll-out. Can the Secretary of State assure me and constituents that the Government will work as quickly as possible to roll out breakfast clubs nationwide? Also, can she ensure proper resourcing for schools?
Minister reply
We are committed to ensuring schools have the resources needed for the early adopters scheme and beyond. We aim to learn what works during this initial phase ahead of the national roll-out. A Labour Government is determined to roll out breakfast clubs nationwide as quickly as possible.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Question
Four schools in my constituency—Skelton primary, Lockwood primary, Pennyman primary, and St Bernadette’s primary—are early adopters. Does the Secretary of State agree that this Government is on the side of working families, focusing on giving children the best start to life and school day?
Minister reply
I am delighted that four schools in my hon. Friend’s constituency are taking part, looking forward to all primary schools across Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland benefiting from the roll-out of breakfast clubs. This Labour Government is committed to supporting working parents by cutting costs at the start of the school day.
Shadow Comment
Neil O’Brien
Shadow Comment
The previous government expanded access to breakfast clubs and free childcare significantly. The current Government’s proposal faces criticism from experts like the Children’s Society who suggest focusing resources on secondary schools rather than a universal primary school offer due to funding constraints. I call for certainty regarding continued funding for existing programmes beyond next year, particularly in secondary schools. Concerns are raised about the feasibility of the Labour government's £315 million budget and its potential impact on staffing levels in participating schools.
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