80 London schools to receive free breakfast clubs saving parents ...

Pupils across the capital will be able to enjoy free daily breakfast clubs from April this year. The Government estimates that the scheme will save parents of children at eligible schools £450 a year.

The project will begin in April with 80 London schools as part of the Government's Plan for Change. The initial roll-out of the free meals is being done to inform the strategy to expand the initiative nationally to all families.

It is estimated that 180,000 children will benefit from the scheme in the capital. Within this figure, 11,400 are said to attend primary schools in deprived areas.

Children in the London schools will have access to a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day in an effort to support parents getting to work. Varied and nutritious breakfasts are encouraged within the scheme such as porridge and fruit with yoghurt.

The Government's Plan for Change aims to remove barriers to opportunity for children and claims that the breakfast clubs can have a lasting impact on children's behaviour, attendance and attainment. Other measures include a commitment to reduce uniform costs through a cap on branded items.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: "Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of our Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country. Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn."

She added: "Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life."

Further details of the national roll out for the breakfast clubs programme is expected in the coming months. The wraparound childcare offer for primary children between 8am and 6pm is continuing to be rolled out across the country.

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