Weston schools get first dibs on Breakfast Clubs! Milton Park and Ashcombe Schools are two of the first in the country to roll out free Breakfast clubs for all children. Weston MP “we’re determined to give children the best start in life”
Every morning before heading to work, I tuck into a bowl of porridge; I can’t imagine starting my day without breakfast. Breakfast gives me the energy I need but also means I have time to speak to my family or colleagues (if work starts extra early). I feel better for taking a minute to eat at the start of my day, and it’s not just me; research has found children who eat breakfast score higher in math, spelling and reading than those who don’t. Eating breakfast supports better brain function, memory and attention. As your MP, this is why I have been championing breakfast clubs for primary school children and why I encouraged them all to apply to be part of the first wave of schools to introduce breakfast clubs as part of this roll-out across the country.
Breakfast clubs give kids a healthy start to the day. So, in April 2025, 750 early adopters will start the new breakfast club pilot. I am very excited to announce this includes two schools in Weston, Milton Park Primary and Ashcombe Primary. These schools have been selected as early adopters before a broader rollout to all schools across the UK. This will mean children at these schools can attend breakfast clubs for free. I want every child to succeed, no matter where they come from. I want to avoid creating divisions, so these breakfast clubs are open to any child. I can remember being at school (all those years ago), friends were embarrassed and routinely shamed for joining the free meal dinner queue. I don’t want any child to feel singled out or different for the financial circumstances they are in. This is why we’ve made this available to any child. If everyone eats together, no one feels like they don’t belong.
Once these clubs are running across all schools, they will offer parents more flexibility with drop-off. Childcare is not cheap, and juggling work schedules as a single parent or in a couple is never easy. These breakfast clubs will be a game-changer for families who need a safe, free option to help get their kids to school on time and ready to learn. I know how much this will help my friends and family who have a constant struggle to manage their shift work with the school drop off.
We already have some fantastic breakfast clubs in Weston, and I’m excited that we can bring more to our town. I want to thank Cllr Catherine Gibbons-Antonopoulos, who has done so much with Magic Breakfast Clubs, I am glad this government can add to initiatives started by community champions like her. It’s not just about getting a meal—These clubs also allow kids to hang out with friends, get additional support, or catch up with schoolwork before lessons start. It’s a great way to set kids up for their futures, whatever that is.
The idea is to test what works best and expand it further so all primary schools across the country can offer free breakfast clubs to every child. This will make a huge difference in kids’ academic performance and overall well-being. Our town is already ahead of the curve; it’s clear that these clubs are making a real, positive impact.
Breakfast clubs in Weston are a perfect example of how simple ideas can make a big difference. By ensuring every child has access to a healthy, supportive start to their day, we’re creating a more equal and inclusive environment where every child can succeed. Whether it’s a bowl of cereal, some toast, or just a place to hang out with friends, these breakfast clubs give kids the boost they need to confidently tackle the school day.
