Primary School Breakfast Clubs 2024-12-09
2024-12-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Child poverty in Southend West and Leigh is high with a rate of 12.1%. Food bank use has risen by 433% over the last five years.
I have contacted all the primary schools in my constituency to encourage them to become early adopters of breakfast clubs. Child poverty stands at 12.1%, and food bank use has increased by 433% over the past five years. Does my hon. Friend agree that breakfast clubs will help lift children out of poverty, provide food for their start of the day, and encourage parents into part-time employment?
Parents and carers up and down the country are struggling with the cost of living. Breakfast clubs give them confidence their child can access a meal if needed, supporting families with childcare costs.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether breakfast clubs will lift children out of poverty
We Take No Lectures From The Conservative Party On How They Failed Children Over The Last 14 Years
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Parents in Matt's constituency have concerns about education provision and support, including school admissions and childcare.
In my constituency, parents speak to me about their worries regarding education and support. These range from getting children into good schools to working while parenting. Will the Minister outline further benefits of breakfast clubs for parents and pupils in constituencies like mine?
The Government are committed to offering free breakfast clubs in every primary school. The Chancellor has announced tripling investment, driving improvements in behaviour, attendance, and attainment, and providing more choices over childcare.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Nurseries and small businesses providing before-school clubs are facing challenges due to national insurance increases.
Nurseries and the small businesses that provide before and after-school clubs are being hit by national insurance increases. There is little clarity from the Government on how breakfast clubs will work, potentially undermining their business models. What representations has the Education Secretary made to the Chancellor regarding these issues?
We take no lectures from the Conservative party on how they failed children over 14 years. I have heard providers' concerns about early years funding, and recognise the importance of local authorities and providers planning ahead for the expansion year.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific impact of national insurance or representations to the Chancellor
We Take No Lectures From The Conservative Party On How It Failed Children Over 14 Years
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent, Farhan Adam, a winner of headmaster of the year, expressed concern over spending more time addressing food insecurity than teaching. 18% of households with children face food insecurity.
Recently I met my constituent Farhan Adam, who lamented that he spends more time dealing with issues like food insecurity than teaching. This is not surprising as approximately 18% of households with children experience food insecurity. Does the Secretary of State agree that lifting the two-child cap would help alleviate this problem?
Breakfast clubs offer a huge amount, including food and club provision. I encourage the hon. Member to consider that for roll-out in his constituency. There is a ministerial taskforce focused on child poverty reporting soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether lifting the two-child cap would help alleviate food insecurity
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Child poverty in Southend West and Leigh is high with a rate of 12.1%. Food bank use has risen by 433% over the last five years.
What steps she is taking to increase the availability of breakfast clubs in primary schools?
Schools with primary age pupils can apply now for early adopters of the universal free breakfast club programme starting April 2025. Up to 750 schools will be funded to provide access to a free universal breakfast club lasting at least 30 minutes.
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Assessment & feedback
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