Four Weston schools to benefit from government funded breakfast clubs

Families and children across Weston-super-Mare will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs, as the government confirms the next 500 schools to join the scheme from April.

Four Weston schools have been selected:

• Oldmixon Primary School

• Windwhistle Primary School

• Westhaven School

• Bournville Primary School

The announcement represents a campaign win for Weston-super-Mare’s Labour MP, Dan Aldridge, who has consistently pushed for greater investment in children and families locally. As a result, pupils across these schools will be able to access a nutritious breakfast and a positive start to the school day -putting up to £450 a year back into parents’ pockets.

The new clubs sit alongside a range of Labour measures designed to support families and tackle the cost of living, including expanding free school meals, rolling out 30 hours of government-funded childcare, bringing down school uniform costs and securing the future of Best Start holiday clubs.

Delivering on Labour’s manifesto commitments, all primary-aged children attending the selected schools will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day, supporting parents into work and helping children arrive at school fed, focused and ready to learn.

Universal Best Start free breakfast clubs are a key part of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring every child gets the best possible start. Evidence shows breakfast clubs improve children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment, while also supporting family wellbeing.

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said; “Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.

“Breakfast clubs can be transformative -feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds so every child starts the day ready to learn. Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child the best start in life.”

Dan Aldridge MP, Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare, said; “This is huge news for Weston. From April, four local schools will be offering free breakfast clubs-making a real difference to children’s wellbeing and giving families practical support at the start of the day.

“Free breakfast clubs mean children arrive fed, focused and ready to learn. This is about opportunity, fairness and making sure no child is held back before the school day even begins.

“I’m incredibly proud to see this investment coming into Weston, and I’ll keep pushing for more support like this where it’s needed most.”