Free school breakfast club helping Sandwell parents financially
Schools in the West Midlands are piloting the government scheme
Parents sending their children to Congreaves Academy in Cradley Heath said they are already noticing a difference financially, as a number of schools in the region pilot free breakfast clubs in primary schools.
Congreaves Academy sits alongside around 750 state schools with primary-age children piloting the government scheme.
What is the free breakfast club scheme?
The schools chosen for the trial are expected to offer a free breakfast to all pupils and at least 30 minutes of childcare before school.
The £7 million "early adopters" scheme - which will test the delivery of the programme ahead of a wider national rollout in England - was announced at Labour's party conference last September.
It is expected to run until July before being expanded as soon as possible.
"It is saving me a fortune"
We spoke to parents dropping their children off at Congreaves Academy this week, following the Easter holidays. One parent told us the club was helping her to get organised financially:
"Parents now have an extra hour in the morning, which could help them get back into work. I start work at 8:45am so this just helps me to get organised.
"You are saving money on breakfast and time. This month, I think I have saved around £40. That is because I have not had to buy as much for breakfast or pay for childcare because of the time I start work.
"It is saving me a fortune. This month is tight because it is my daughter's birthday. The money I have saved can now go towards her," she said.
"The best start in life"
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the clubs would help to break the link "between background and success" for families "all over the country".
"Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this Government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life," she said.