The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act: a landmark step forward for children

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act is a landmark moment for children and young people in England, and a major step forward in tackling morning hunger while supporting wellbeing, focus and learning in schools. 

Introduced by the UK Government to better protect children and raise standards in education, the Act includes a vital commitment to free school breakfasts for primary-aged children in all state-funded schools. It recognises something schools, families and children have always known: when children start the day with a nutritious breakfast, they are better able to settle, focus, learn and thrive. 

The legislation also brings wider reforms to help schools better support children and young people, including measures on mental health, bullying and fairness for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Together, these changes are an important step towards schools where every child feels included, supported and ready to succeed. 

Turning commitment into lasting change 

By placing breakfast provision in law, this commitment becomes stronger and more secure for the future. 

The Government’s national free breakfast programme is already beginning to make this a reality, with a further 500 schools joining the rollout earlier this month. Under the new legislation, all state-funded primary schools will be required to offer at least 30 minutes of free childcare and a free breakfast before the school day begins. 

Breakfast provision in schools must also meet School Food Standards, standards that Magic Breakfast already meets and exceeds through our work with schools across England and Scotland. 

A moment to celebrate and a reminder there is more to do 

This Act is an important step forward, and a moment to celebrate progress. But it is also a reminder that there is more to do. 

With current support for secondary schools uncertain beyond 2026, there’s a real risk the gap will widen, with children in early years settings, secondary schools and special schools, remaining at risk of starting the day hungry. 

Our research shows teenagers are the most likely age group to skip breakfast, at a stage in life when nutrition, wellbeing and readiness to learn matter enormously. For too many young people, breakfast is missed because of food insecurity at home, rushed mornings, caring responsibilities, or anxiety around eating and body image. 

That is why our More Than Breakfast campaign is shining a light on the experiences of young people in secondary schools, and why access to school breakfast support cannot stop at age 11. 

When schools offer breakfast, it gives young people a safe space to be with people they know and something nourishing to eat before the day begins. That can make all the difference to attendance, confidence, relationships and learning. 

Our mission continues 

At Magic Breakfast, our mission is to champion and provide nourishing breakfasts that help children and young people learn and thrive. Our vision is a UK where every child is nourished, empowered, and thriving. 

This Act is a moment to celebrate and a reminder that there is more to do until every child who needs a healthy breakfast at school can access one. 

We will continue to use our 20 years of experience to support schools, strengthen delivery and help build the momentum for what comes next, until every child and young person has the chance to start their day nourished, included and ready to thrive.