Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

School Breakfast

13 October 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields

Education

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Emma Lewell-Buck raised concerns about school breakfast in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The School Breakfast Bill aims to provide nutritious breakfasts for all children at school to improve learning and cognitive development.
  • Studies show that children who eat breakfast regularly achieve two GCSE grades higher than those who do not.
  • The Bill targets schools where 50% or more of pupils are from low-income families and would be funded through the soft drinks levy.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields

The lead MP argued that the School Breakfast Bill is necessary to ensure that all children have access to a nutritious breakfast at school, which can significantly improve their learning and cognitive development. She cited studies showing links between nutrition and academic performance, noting that hungry children achieve two GCSE grades lower than those who eat breakfast regularly. The Bill aims to mandate breakfast club facilities in schools where 50% or more of pupils are from low-income families, funded through the soft drinks levy. It would also ensure no child is left behind by providing meals for those without recourse to public funds.

Other contributors (1)
  • Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields

    The MP highlighted that over 2 million children across England start the school day hungry, impacting their ability to learn and causing developmental delays. She provided examples of children rummaging through bins for food or only having a small piece of chocolate as breakfast. The Bill aims to address this by ensuring all state-funded primary and secondary schools receive funding from the soft drinks levy if at least 50% of pupils are in the income deprivation affecting children index, thus guaranteeing breakfast provision for every child.

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