Good News for Children as New Breakfast Club Pilot to Launch in April 2025

By Jill Dando News

In an exciting development for the children of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset in Jill Dando’s home town, two local schools – Milton Park Primary and Ashcombe Primary – have been selected as early adopters of the new national breakfast club initiative.

This pilot program, launching in April 2025, will offer free breakfast clubs to children at these schools as part of a broader plan to roll out similar programs across the UK.

The town’s MP Dan Aldridge has been a vocal supporter of breakfast clubs, recognising the vital role they play in giving children a healthy, energetic start to the day.

“Every morning before heading to work, I tuck into a bowl of porridge; I can't imagine starting my day without breakfast. Breakfast gives me the energy I need but also means I have time to speak to my family or colleagues (if work starts extra early). I feel better for taking a minute to eat at the start of my day, and it's not just me; research has found children who eat breakfast score higher in math, spelling, and reading than those who don't. Eating breakfast supports better brain function, memory, and attention. As your MP, this is why I have been championing breakfast clubs for primary school children and why I encouraged them all to apply to be part of the first wave of schools to introduce breakfast clubs as part of this roll-out across the country.”

Breakfast clubs offer more than just food – they provide a supportive environment where children can interact with friends, get help with schoolwork, or catch up before the school day begins.

These initiatives aim to foster an inclusive atmosphere where no child feels singled out, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Dan Aldridge emphasized, “I want every child to succeed, no matter where they come from. I want to avoid creating divisions, so these breakfast clubs are open to any child. I can remember being at school (all those years ago), friends were embarrassed and routinely shamed for joining the free meal dinner queue. I don't want any child to feel singled out or different for the financial circumstances they are in. This is why we've made this available to any child. If everyone eats together, no one feels like they don't belong.”

The introduction of breakfast clubs will also provide greater flexibility for parents, particularly those juggling work and childcare.

With the rising cost of childcare and the pressures of school drop-offs, these breakfast clubs will offer a safe, free option to help parents get their children to school on time and ready to learn.

For those in Weston with shift work or busy schedules, this is a welcome relief.

Weston is already home to some fantastic breakfast clubs, and the expansion of this initiative will only further enhance the support available to local families.

Dan Aldridge also extended his thanks to local community champion, Cllr Catherine Gibbons-Antonopoulos, for her work with Magic Breakfast Clubs.

“I am glad this government can add to initiatives started by community champions like her,” Aldridge said. “It's not just about getting a meal—these clubs also allow kids to hang out with friends, get additional support, or catch up with schoolwork before lessons start. It's a great way to set kids up for their futures, whatever that is.”

The pilot will help test what works best and ensure that the breakfast clubs are implemented effectively across all primary schools in the future.

The ultimate goal is to offer free breakfast clubs to every child, helping them perform better academically and promoting overall well-being.

Dan Aldridge concluded, “Breakfast clubs in Weston are a perfect example of how simple ideas can make a big difference. By ensuring every child has access to a healthy, supportive start to their day, we're creating a more equal and inclusive environment where every child can succeed. Whether it's a bowl of cereal, some toast, or just a place to hang out with friends, these breakfast clubs give kids the boost they need to confidently tackle the school day.”

This new initiative is a significant step toward fostering a brighter future for all children in Weston, and across the UK.

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