Southwark Park Primary in Bermondsey launched its first free breakfast club this week – with six others schools across the borough set to do the same.
The club is part of the government’s roll out of free breakfast clubs across primary schools in England.
The scheme is backed by £80 million government funding and is targeted at the most disadvantaged areas.
Local MP Neil Coyle visited Southwark Park Primary School on Tuesday 14 April to mark the first day of its free breakfast club.
Two schools in Southwark, The Belham in Peckham and Crawford Primary in Camberwell, have already been offering free breakfasts for almost a year after they were selected for the pilot phase last April.
The following Southwark school’s are also getting free clubs this month:
- Pilgrims’ Way Primary School
- Bird In Bush School
- Bellenden Primary School
- St George’s Church of England Primary School
- Keyworth Primary School
- St Paul’s Church of England Primary School
The schools are among hundreds across London which have been added to the scheme, including another 10 in Lambeth and another 10 in Lewisham.
Nationally, more than 300,000 children will receive free breakfasts thanks to the programme this April alone.
Neil Coyle, Labour MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark said: “Breakfast clubs are a great way to ensure kids are well fed, families save a few quid and schools get better outcomes from their students. It’s a win-win-win!
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“After years of rising child poverty under the Conservatives and LibDem Coalition, I’m pleased we have Government funding to open breakfast clubs in Southwark as part of a wider commitment to tackle child poverty.
“Food bank use is dropping in our community and breakfast clubs will help local children do better at school as well.”
Schools already taking part have served over 7 million breakfasts to date, saving families up to £450 per year and giving parents up to 95 hours back each year.
The government said they had evidence showing the scheme had led to improved attendance, attainment and behaviour among pupils.
They also referenced polling showing that nearly half of parents prioritise primary schools offering free breakfast clubs, while six in ten parents are more likely to access support when it is available to everyone.
The breakfast club at Southwark Park Primary School will run every day from 8am.
