Josh MacAlister MP has officially opened a new free breakfast club at Northside Primary School, Workington, helping local families with the cost of living while giving children the best possible start to their day.
The club – the fifth to launch in West Cumbria since last year – is part of Labour’s national rollout of Best Start free breakfast clubs, with hundreds of schools opening their doors to provide children with a healthy meal and 30 minutes of free childcare before lessons begin. The programme is designed to support working parents, improve school readiness, and boost children’s life chances.
Families in Northside are set to benefit from more flexible mornings, with parents able to get to work on time, attend appointments, and manage daily routines more easily. The scheme is expected to save parents up to £450 per child each year while providing around 95 additional hours of support annually.
During his visit, Josh MacAlister met with staff and pupils and saw first-hand how the club is already making a difference.
Josh MacAlister MP said:
“Opening the new free breakfast club at Northside Primary School is a fantastic moment for local families. This is exactly what delivering on our promises looks like – practical support that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
“These clubs mean children can start the day ready to learn, while parents have more flexibility in the morning and more money in their pockets. It’s about breaking down barriers to opportunity and making sure every child, no matter their background, gets the best start in life.”
Research shows breakfast clubs can improve attendance, behaviour and attainment, helping children settle into the school day and focus on learning.
Gemma Brierley, Headteacher at Northside Primary School, said:
“We’re delighted to launch our new breakfast club here at Northside Primary. It’s already having a really positive impact – children are arriving settled, socialising with their friends, and ready to learn from the moment lessons begin.
“For many families, this support is invaluable. It gives parents peace of mind in the mornings and ensures every child starts the day with a nutritious meal and a calm, welcoming environment.”
The rollout of free breakfast clubs is part of wider government action to support families with the cost of living, alongside expanded childcare provision, holiday clubs, and measures to reduce school uniform costs.
The government has committed to extending free breakfast clubs to all primary schools nationwide, ensuring every child has access to a strong start each day.
Josh MacAlister MP 