Children across Andover and Hampshire are among those benefiting from the government’s flagship free breakfast club programme, with two million meals served nationally in just the first term.
The scheme is part of the government’s new 10 Year Health Plan and aims to help parents save up to £450 per year on childcare while making sure children start the school day well-fed and ready to learn. In Andover and the wider area, schools taking part have already reported improvements in attendance, punctuality, and children’s focus in lessons.
A Supportive Start to the Day
Breakfast clubs give families 30 minutes of extra time in the mornings—something local working parents say is making a huge difference. Nationally, 8 in 10 parents said the clubs help them get to work more easily, while nearly half said their children were happier getting up and ready for school.
Children are enjoying their favourite breakfast picks, with cereal, toast, fruit, and yoghurt topping the list. But it’s not just about the food—many pupils also look forward to time with friends and fun activities before lessons begin.
Boosting Learning and Wellbeing
Research has shown that free breakfasts can help children make two months’ additional progress in reading, writing, and maths by the end of Key Stage 1.
Local headteachers say the scheme is particularly valuable for children with special educational needs, giving them a calm start to the day.
Support for Working Families
The rollout forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which also includes free school meals for every child whose family claims Universal Credit, saving families up to £500 a year.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
“Every child deserves the chance to start the day supported and ready to learn. That’s why we are determined to break the link between background and success—and our free breakfast clubs are already making an immediate impact.”
More schools across the country will be offering free breakfasts in the coming months, with further details of the national rollout expected later this year.
Find Out More
If you’re a parent in Andover, you can ask your child’s school whether they’re taking part or visit the Department for Education’s website to learn more:
Free breakfast club rollout: everything you need to know