With the Spending Review just weeks away, teachers and school staff across England are calling for an extension to the Government’s current free school breakfast commitment, to enable it to reach more pupils. Will you join them?
While the plan to offer free breakfast clubs to all primary-aged pupils is a positive step, it still leaves out many older pupils who face the same risk of morning hunger. That includes secondary-aged pupils in SEND schools, alternative provision, and in the most disadvantaged secondary schools.
Our (SEND secondary) students tell us: “I get hungry in the morning so it’s helpful”, “(Bagels) it’s a thing I’ve got used to now”, “If I don’t have breakfast at home, I know I’ve got breakfast at school.”
Staff have noticed that since introducing our breakfast club, students are more engaged and ready to learn. They have commented how there has been a noticeable difference in the development of manners, communication and social interaction skills as well as improved self-help skills as they learn how to butter their own bagel or boil the kettle for their cup of tea. Additional impact of our club is improved focus during lesson time and for many students, improved social skills as well as their communication skills. Our students report that breakfast gives them the chance to make sure they have eaten in the morning. They notice it stops them feeling hungry and they like the different types of breakfast on offer.
Senior Vice Principal, SEND 2-19, Derbyshire
Over 150 teachers have already signed an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, asking the government to build on its current plan and fund a flexible model that costs less, allows schools to deliver breakfast in ways that works for them, and creates the chance to reach more children and young people.
Along with their signatures, teachers are also sharing messages from their schools, showing the real impact of breakfast and why they believe it should reach more pupils at risk of starting the school day hungry.
If you’re a teacher based in England, you can add your voice by signing the letter and sharing what you’re seeing in your school. Your message could help the government understand why this matters and make sure no child is left out of this vital support.
Teachers, add your name to this open-letter to Rachel Reeves & share why breakfast matters
If you’re not a teacher, you can still support the action by sharing it with teachers in your network or community.
Thank you for playing your part for children and young people up and down the country. Together, we can help ensure that they start their school day ready to learn.