How breakfast clubs in schools can get your child ready for the day

Although breakfast clubs in schools are not a new concept, they are seeing a significant rise in support thanks to a government focus on wraparound care, as well as the Labour government’s more recent backing of free breakfast clubs in all primary schools.

We’ve always strongly believed in both breakfast and after-school clubs at school, not only as a means of providing much-needed childcare for working parents, but because they help get children fully prepared for the day ahead and help them to wind down after a day of learning.

In this blog we’re going to delve a little deeper into why a breakfast club provision at school is so valuable, and in particular, how it benefits primary aged children.

What is a breakfast club?

A breakfast club is a facility within a primary school that means children can get dropped off before the start of the school day (usually an hour or so beforehand) and enjoy a healthy breakfast and some fun activities before the school day begins.

Clubs can be run by the school itself or by an external provider such as ourselves, meaning staff don’t have to worry about booking systems and planning activities, we take care of it all.

What happens at a school breakfast club?

Breakfast clubs are designed to gently transform sleepy children into happy, energised children who are ready for the school day ahead! How? Through a mixture of optional activities, in an informal but supportive environment. Kids can enjoy games, crafts and sporty activities and have fun with their friends.

Of course, we all struggle to concentrate if we are hungry, so a healthy school breakfast is also provided to make sure tummies are full and brains are engaged.

Why are breakfast clubs so important?

Support for working parents

Parental demand for greater access to before and after school childcare for primary school aged children has seen more schools offer breakfast clubs and after school clubs to support families while they work.

It’s not surprising why, as parents have long struggled to drop children off at 8.45 and get to work by 9, with a similar conundrum in the afternoon.

Breakfast clubs take the pressure off working parents by streamlining the morning routine and allowing little ones to be dropped off earlier in a safe, fun and familiar environment, ensuring they eat breakfast and get ready for the day.

Nutritious breakfast

Not all families are able to provide a healthy breakfast for their child every morning, and yet breakfast is so important in helping children thrive at school.

Studies have found that pupils who have eaten breakfast are able to concentrate better in class and are overall more engaged in learning.

Eating breakfast at school among peers can also be great for children who don’t always make healthy choices. Seeing friends enjoying nutritious food encourages a more positive feeling towards eating healthier options. It’s also a great social opportunity to catch up with friends before lessons begin!

If you struggle for tasty but nutritious breakfast ideas at the weekend, why not check out our article on healthy breakfasts for kids?

Benefits of breakfast clubs for children

Social development

As we’ve already touched on, sitting down to eat healthy food with peers is a brilliant chance for children to develop life and social skills. Simply by choosing which breakfast option to have and learning how to pour milk, or spread jam, kids are developing important skills for the future.

Breakfast clubs allow children the opportunity to spend some focused time on breakfast, something that may not be possible at home. They can learn which foods are great for giving your brain and body energy and also how to share with others.

Promoting healthy eating

Having access to tasty and nutritious breakfast options such as toast, porridge, bagels or cereals teaches children what they should be opting for in the morning to help them feel wide-awake, happy and energised.

Improvement in punctuality and attendance

A breakfast club provision can actually also improve pupils’ punctuality — there’s no racing to get to the school gate by 8.45, they are already there!

Being at a breakfast club reduces morning stress, bringing a greater sense of routine to a child, who knows that the period of time before school will be enjoyable rather than hectic.

Breakfast clubs can even improve attendance. Magic Breakfast found that schools which offer breakfast clubs had fewer absences than those without them.

Morning movement!

Here at Premier Education, we love adding some physical activity into our breakfast clubs. It helsp children get their blood pumping, getting them fired up and ready to take on whatever the day may hold, and can help them reach their 60 minutes of activity a day, as recommended by the chief medical officer.

What is the National School Breakfast Programme?

This scheme, funded by the Department for Education and delivered by Family Action, supports schools predominantly in disadvantaged areas to provide a healthy school breakfast. Partner schools only have to contribute 25 percent towards food and delivery costs.

However, the Labour government announced their intention to provide free breakfast clubs for all primary schools in England, as part of their Autumn 2024 budget.

These free school breakfast clubs will provide valuable free childcare for primary school aged children and ensure each child starts the day with a nutritious breakfast.

What about during school holidays?

Of course, children who attend breakfast clubs during term time won’t enjoy the same benefits during school holidays. However, the good news is, the Holiday Activities and Food programme has been designed to support low-income families during school holidays.

Children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals can attend fun and varied holiday camps, for free, where they will not only be cared for in a safe and secure environment but will also receive nutritious meals.

Are breakfast clubs right for your child?

If you find mornings a battle, what with getting your child ready for school and yourself ready for work, why not remove the worry of breakfast by signing up for a breakfast club at your school?

If a breakfast club provision isn’t yet available at your school, with the imminent introduction of free breakfast clubs as intended by the government, it’s likely there will be soon.

Check out more information about our wraparound care and our range of term time and holiday activities in our childcare for working parents article.