More families and children in Southampton Test will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs as the Labour government confirms the next 500 schools to offer the scheme from April, including St Mark’s and Mason Moor Primary School in Southampton, putting up to £450 a year back in local parents’ pockets. It represents a campaign win for Southampton Test’s Labour Member of Parliament, Satvir Kaur, who wrote to all eligible local schools to encourage them to apply to join the scheme. As a result, 1027 children in their constituency will be able to access a nutritious meal at the start of the day, as the schools join Bevois Town Primary School which was an early adopter of the free breakfast club rollout.
The clubs come alongside a raft of measures driven forward by Labour to cut the cost of living for families in Southampton Test, including expanding free school meals, rolling out 30 hours of government-funded childcare, bringing down school uniform costs and securing the future of Best Start holiday clubs. Delivering on promises made to working parents in Labour’s manifesto, all primary aged children attending three schools in Southampton Test will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare, every day, helping to support parents getting into work.
Universal Best Start free breakfast clubs are central to Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking down barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn – with research showing the clubs have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment. The scheme plays a role in Labour’s moral mission to tackle child poverty, with the government on track to secure the biggest reduction in child poverty within a single parliament.
By targeting support, Labour’s clubs will reach half a million pupils in England’s most disadvantaged communities. This will provide essential meal to ensure every child starts the day ready to learn.
Satvir Kaur, MP for Southampton Test, said: “I am so happy to announce that two more schools, St Mark’s and Mason Moor Primary School have been selected as one of Labour’s Best Start free breakfast clubs and I cannot wait for the club to open in April.
“It’s a testament to both the school and the Labour government’s dedication to getting children school-ready so they are able to improve their attendance, attainment and wellbeing, as well as improving the household finances of local families.”
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said: “Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.
“Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn.
“Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.”