Free breakfast clubs proposed by Labour for every primary school would slash absence and save parents £400 a year, the party said yesterday.
Labour’s education spokesman Bridget Phillipson said she wants every child to have the opportunity of a free nutritious breakfast before starting their day – regardless of family income.
This means that those who already pay for breakfast clubs would save £400 a year under Labour’s plans for the meals to become free. And anyone switching from more expensive morning childminding services to a free breakfast club would save £2,000 a year.
The policy is also aimed at helping the most vulnerable children, whose families may struggle with food bills.
Labour calculates that laying on free breakfasts for all will cut 450,000 days of school absence.
Previous research has shown that free breakfast clubs boost attendance and punctuality, partially because they provide more incentive for children to be in school and to arrive early.
Mrs Phillipson said: ‘Families’ childcare needs don’t end when their kids leave nursery. That’s why we’ll put free breakfast clubs in every English primary school.
‘We’ll fund our clubs by clamping down on tax dodgers and save hardworking parents over £400 every year.
‘Breakfast clubs are proven to improve kids’ behaviour and grades, and get those regularly missing class back into school – giving them a great start to their day and getting them ready to learn.’
Many schools already have breakfast clubs, either funded from their own budgets or with food provided through the Government’s national school breakfast club programme. However, only schools in deprived areas with disadvantaged intakes qualify for this scheme, which offers breakfasts for free.
Charities such as Magic Breakfast also provide the morning meals in schools.