Two schools in Gedling borough will be among the first in the country to offer free breakfast clubs every day from April.
The schools are among 11 in Nottinghamshire which are among the early adopters of the government scheme, which they say will put up to £450 a year back in parents’ pockets.
Arnold Mill Primary in Arnold and Woods Foundation C of E Primary School in Woodborough have been selected for the initial phase, supported by £7 million in funding.
Primary-aged children in early adopter schools will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare, every day, helping to support parents getting into work by dropping their children off half an hour earlier.
The clubs come alongside a raft of measures designed to cut the cost of living for families, including the commitment to significantly cut uniform costs through a cap on branded items and complement government-funded childcare.
Gedling MP Michael Payne said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ two local schools had been selected to be included in the scheme.
He said: “Arnold Mill Primary and Nursery School and Woodborough Woods Foundation C of E Primary School have been selected as some of the first schools to benefit from Labour’s free breakfast clubs and I cannot wait to see them open soon.
“It’s a testament to both the schools and the Labour government’s dedication to getting children school-ready so they are able to improve their attendance, attainment and wellbeing, as well as improving the household finances of local families.
“Through our Plan for Change, this Labour government is boosting parents work choices and children’s life chances.”
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Free breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn.”
Schools were chosen from across England to ensure the scheme tests and learns from a variety of locations, including those that do not currently run a breakfast club, and all will receive funding to cover food and staffing costs.
The government said further details on the national roll out of the breakfast clubs programme will follow in due course.
