Primary School Breakfast Clubs

Opened the debate

Mr Tan Dhesi, MP for Slough, addressed the critical issue of children going hungry in schools due to years of mismanagement by Conservative Governments. He emphasised the importance of investing in breakfast clubs as a first step towards fixing the foundations of the country and supporting working people across the UK. According to the Sutton Trust, 38% of state school teachers have observed an increase in pupils coming to school hungry, highlighting the urgent need for free breakfast clubs. Dhesi also noted that one in ten young people lives in a household classified as food insecure, with children from families using food banks attaining GCSE grades half a grade lower on average during the pandemic. He pointed out that working parents are struggling under tough economic conditions, and stressed the financial benefits of universal free breakfast clubs for families. Dhesi also highlighted evidence from Wales where universal free breakfast clubs have been rolled out, showing improved healthy eating habits and increased attainment among pupils aged seven onwards. He called on the Minister to assure him that universal breakfast clubs will not only provide a healthy meal but also facilitate social skill development. Lastly, he emphasised the need for new legislation to fully implement free breakfast clubs in all state schools.

Government Response

Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, thanked Tan Dhesi for securing the debate and acknowledged the importance of the issue. He confirmed that the Government is committed to introducing free breakfast clubs for primary school children as part of their manifesto pledge. The investment in breakfast clubs will triple to over £30 million by 2025-26, with up to 750 early adopter schools benefitting from April next year. Morgan urged Dhesi to encourage schools in his constituency to apply when the bidding opens and highlighted that these clubs remove barriers to opportunity for primary school children of all circumstances. He noted the role of breakfast clubs in driving improvements in behaviour, attendance, and attainment while also offering affordable childcare options and increasing parents' ability to work more hours. Morgan emphasised the importance of compliance with the school food standards which restrict foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, ensuring that pupils always have healthy options across the school day. He confirmed that legislating for breakfast club provision will give schools certainty, and the Bill will be brought forward as soon as parliamentary time allows under the children's wellbeing Bill announced in the King’s Speech.