Families will soon be able to start accessing free breakfast clubs lasting 30 minutes for their children before school through a new free breakfast club programme.

Free breakfast will help ensure pupils start every day ready to learn, and in turn will improve behaviour, attendance and attainment.

The Department for Education (DfE) is currently inviting schools in England to apply to be part of an Early Adopter Scheme, rolling it out to families starting from April 2025.

Up to 750 participating schools will be funded to provide access to a free, universal breakfast club lasting at least 30 minutes that includes food.

Schools can apply by completing an Expression of Interest form. Please note that applicant will need to create an account on the DfE website before accessing the Expression of Interest form.

Expressions of Interest can be made up to Friday 20th December 2024.

Schools will be selected across different school types, sizes and geographical areas to ensure a wide range of representation.

Breakfast clubs in every primary school are aimed at making a huge difference to children, families, and schools – removing barriers to opportunity by helping children learn, making sure no child starts school hungry, and helping families with the cost of childcare around the school day, to help keep money in people’s pockets.

Schools that become early adopters will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of the national breakfast club policy, contributing directly to its implementation.  

Further information is available at these links to the Department for Education website:

o Press Release: Schools urged to sign up for free breakfast club rollout.
o The Education Hub: Everything you need to know about free school breakfast clubs.
o DfE Guidance: Breakfast Clubs Early Adopters scheme.