Oakway Academy Launches Free Government-Funded Breakfast Club in Northamptonshire
New Pilot Offers Free Morning Childcare and Meals to Local Families
Oakway Academy in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has introduced a new government-funded breakfast club as part of a national pilot to support primary school children and their families. The scheme provides an additional 30 minutes of free childcare and nutritious food before the school day begins.
On the pilot’s first day, around 100 children attended the breakfast club, which is among 14 schools in Northamptonshire participating in the trial. The programme will run until July, with a national rollout expected later in the year.
Boosting Learning, Nutrition, and Social Skills
“It’s very important that children have a good start to the day – it helps them with their learning and their concentration,” said Zoe Walker, the school’s catering manager. “These breakfast clubs will make a huge difference.”
Ms Walker also highlighted the importance of socialisation during breakfast: “Kids get used to sitting around a table, interacting, forming friendships – it’s a great way for them to start the day.”
Government Commitment to Tackle Child Poverty
The Department for Education described breakfast clubs as a critical component in their efforts to combat child poverty. The initiative could save working families around £450 annually, providing up to 95 extra hours of childcare per year.
As part of the reimbursement model, schools will receive funding based on student participation. For example, a school with 50% engagement in the scheme could receive up to £23,000 annually.
Local Leaders Celebrate the Launch
The breakfast club officially opened at 08:30 GMT with attendance from MP Gen Kitchen and cabinet minister Heidi Alexander, showing government support for the programme.
James Hollingsworth, one of the heads of school, said the programme will help children “have a calm, orderly start to the day” and be “ready to learn.”
What’s on the Menu?
Children attending the club are served cereals, toast, and fresh fruit – simple but effective choices to fuel young minds and bodies for the school day.
Category: Education, UK News, Childcare & Family Support, Social Policy
Tags: free school breakfast UK, Oakway Academy Wellingborough, breakfast club pilot, school nutrition programme, child poverty UK, government childcare scheme, primary school support UK
