Yorkshire Primaries Get Free Breakfast Boost

Sixty additional primary schools throughout Yorkshire are set to implement free breakfast clubs beginning in April. These schools will join 74 others in the region already participating in the program. The expansion includes 27 schools in West Yorkshire, 26 in South Yorkshire, and seven in North Yorkshire.

This initiative is part of a broader government objective to offer free breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools across England. The program, initially launched in 750 schools last April, has seen significant growth. The Department for Education reports that children benefit from nutritious breakfasts and arrive at school earlier, leading to documented improvements in attendance, attainment, and behavior.

In West Yorkshire specifically, seven schools in Bradford, two in Calderdale, seven in Kirklees, and 11 in Leeds have newly enrolled. South Yorkshire will see new clubs in two Barnsley schools, five in Doncaster, seven in Rotherham, and 12 in Sheffield. North Yorkshire will welcome seven new participating schools.

Headteachers of schools not yet part of the scheme are encouraged to apply for September enrollment. Union leaders support the initiative, highlighting its benefits for learning and wellbeing, while also urging the government to address any potential barriers for non-participating schools.