Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Primary School Breakfast Clubs

Monday 9 December 2024 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Primary schools in Southend West and Leigh are encouraged to become early adopters of breakfast clubs to address child poverty and food bank use.
  • Government investment in breakfast clubs will triple, aiming to improve behaviour, attendance, and attainment in primary schools.
  • Schools with primary age pupils can now apply to be early adopters of the universal free breakfast club programme starting in April 2025.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Burton-Sampson Lab Southend West and Leigh
Economy Children & Families
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether breakfast clubs will lift children out of poverty

How: We Take No Lectures From The Conservative Party On How They Failed Children Over The Last 14 Years

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Q2 Matt Turmaine Lab Watford
Education Children & Families
Context

Parents in Matt's constituency have concerns about education provision and support, including school admissions and childcare.

Question

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?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

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.

Answered
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Q3 David Burton-Sampson Lab Southend West and Leigh
Education Economy Business & Trade
Context

Nurseries and small businesses providing before-school clubs are facing challenges due to national insurance increases.

Question

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?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

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.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific impact of national insurance or representations to the Chancellor

How: We Take No Lectures From The Conservative Party On How It Failed Children Over 14 Years

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Q4 Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether lifting the two-child cap would help alleviate food insecurity

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Q5 Shockat Adam Ind Leicester South
Education
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.

Question

What steps she is taking to increase the availability of breakfast clubs in primary schools?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

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.

Answered
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