Free breakfast club boosts children's health and attendance in the Black Country
More than 70 children benefit from a healthy breakfast each school day at Congreaves Academy
As children across the UK return to school after half term, new figures are highlighting how crucial access to free, nutritious food at school can be for well-being, focus and behaviour.
According to research from the Trussell Trust, around 9.3 million people in the UK, including 3 million children, are experiencing food insecurity. Pressures are often more severe during the school holidays when families lose access to free school meals.
With the government recently announcing that half a million more children will soon benefit from free breakfast clubs, new data shows how schools are already making a difference through access to healthy meals.
At Congreaves Academy in Cradley, the school's breakfast club is helping pupils start the day right, whilst encouraging better attendance. Every morning, more than 70 children take part in the breakfast club to enjoy a healthy breakfast and take time to wake up and prepare for the learning day ahead.
Staff say the relaxed start helps pupils settle in, focus and get ready to learn, rather than being thrown straight into lessons.
Head Teacher at Congreaves Academy, Jo Robinson said:
"Some children get quite anxious coming into school, especially on a Monday morning, so the breakfast club ensures they can enjoy some social time before going into their learning."
"We've seen more children come into school as a result of the clubs, and it also means parents can head to work without additional costs and childcare pressures."
Teachers have seen notable results across the country, according to the Trussell Trust:
94% report that children who took part are now more focused and energised in class.
The project has also worked to encourage healthy eating, with children consuming nearly 900 tonnes of fruit and veg.
The Government is continuing to prepare to expand breakfast clubs nationwide to better the well-being of school children across the country.