Inclusive Breakfast Clubs for Children in England: Disability Charities Advocate for Equal Access
Ministers in England are facing increasing pressure to expand free breakfast clubs in primary schools to include pupils in special schools and alternative provision. This push comes as disability charities advocate for equal access to ensure that all children, regardless of their learning needs, have the opportunity to benefit from this essential service.
The government is gearing up to introduce the children’s wellbeing bill early next year, which will outline plans for free breakfast clubs in all primary schools across England. This initiative, a key promise made before the recent general election, is aimed at helping children focus better in school and making a significant contribution to the fight against poverty by saving hard-working parents over £400 annually.
However, charities and organizations working with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools, as well as institutions like pupil referral units, are emphasizing the importance of including all primary-aged pupils in the legislation. They argue that the term “primary schools” should be expanded to encompass a wider range of educational settings to ensure that children with diverse needs do not miss out on the benefits of free breakfast provision.
A key concern raised by these advocacy groups is the financial strain faced by parents of disabled children, who often encounter greater challenges and are more susceptible to economic hardship and poverty. Lindsey MacDonald, chief executive of Magic Breakfast, a charity that supplies food and facilitates deliveries for over 200,000 children in England and Scotland, emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that all children have access to a free school breakfast to prevent them from being too hungry to learn.
Stephen Kingdom, campaign manager of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, underscores the importance of extending support to pupils in various educational settings beyond traditional primary schools. Research conducted by Pro Bono Economics, commissioned by the Disabled Children’s Partnership, reveals that couples with disabled children earn on average £274 less per week compared to couples with non-disabled children. This disparity highlights the critical need for inclusive policies that support children, families, and communities across all school environments.
Theresa Allotey, chief financial officer of the Agora Learning Partnership, which oversees multiple primary schools and is preparing to open a new special school in 2025, stresses the significance of crafting legislation that maximizes its impact on children and young adults within the educational community. The call for broader inclusion in the breakfast club program comes ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s upcoming budget announcement, where she aims to address the financial deficit left by the previous government.
The Labour Party’s election manifesto pledged £315 million towards breakfast clubs in the 2028-2029 fiscal year, but the specific details of the program’s implementation and anticipated uptake remain unclear. Different models of provision, such as food-only versus food with childcare combined, present varying cost implications, with the former being more economical than the latter due to additional staff requirements.
MacDonald advocates for a diverse range of food provision options in schools beyond traditional breakfast clubs, including classroom offerings, late provision, and grab-and-go options. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that no child goes hungry and is equipped to learn effectively throughout the day. By addressing issues such as attendance, behavior, learning outcomes, mental and physical health, and staff retention, schools can create a supportive environment that fosters academic success and overall well-being.
The Department for Education acknowledges the importance of breakfast clubs in preparing every child for school and enabling them to reach their full potential. They commit to collaborating with the sector to develop the breakfast club program further and share detailed plans in the near future.
In Conclusion
The push for inclusive breakfast clubs for children in England reflects a growing recognition of the diverse needs of students in different educational settings. By extending free breakfast provision to all primary-aged pupils, regardless of their learning requirements, the government can ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to thrive academically and lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Disability charities, advocacy groups, and educational organizations play a crucial role in advocating for equitable access to essential services like breakfast clubs, highlighting the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families. As policymakers continue to refine and expand the breakfast club program, it is essential to prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and support for all children in the educational system.
