Twelve more free breakfast clubs coming to west Cumbrian schools

Twelve more primary schools across West Cumbria will offer universal free breakfast clubs from September, Josh MacAlister MP has announced.

The new clubs will provide every pupil who attends with a free, nutritious breakfast alongside 30 minutes of childcare before the school day begins.

The schools joining the programme are:

Whitehaven

Mayfield School, Valley Primary School and Nursery, St Begh’s Catholic Junior School, St Gregory and St Patrick’s Catholic Infant School, Hensingham Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

Workington

Victoria Junior School, Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School, St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, Flimby Primary School, Victoria Infant and Nursery School and Ashfield Junior School.

They will join existing free breakfast clubs at Beckermet CofE School, Seaton Academy, Arlecdon Primary School and Northside Primary School, taking the total across West Cumbria to 16.

Families using the clubs every school day could save up to £450 per child each year. The additional half-hour before lessons could also provide parents with around 95 hours of free childcare over the course of the school year.

Evidence from existing clubs shows that children benefit from a calmer start to the day, while schools have reported improvements in attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and readiness to learn.

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington and Minister for Children and Families, said:

“This is exactly the kind of practical support that can make a real difference to family life.

“A free breakfast means children can arrive at their lessons fed, settled and ready to learn. The additional childcare also gives parents more breathing space during the morning rush and greater flexibility around work.

“I am delighted that another 12 West Cumbrian schools are joining the programme, taking our local total to 16. This will help more children get the best possible start to their day while saving families money at a time when household budgets remain stretched.

“I am grateful to the teachers, school leaders and support staff who will make these clubs work and ensure children receive such a positive start each morning.”

The expansion forms part of wider work to support children and families, including funded childcare, Best Start Family Hubs, expanded free school meals and new limits intended to reduce the cost of school uniforms.