Starting in April, nearly 70,000 children from some of England’s most disadvantaged communities will gain access to free school breakfasts.

As part of a new initiative, 750 schools will begin offering morning meals, a move expected to save families up to £450 per year. The first phase of the rollout will benefit approximately 180,000 children, including 67,000 pupils from low-income areas.

In addition to providing nutritious meals, the breakfast clubs will also offer at least 30 minutes of free childcare, aiming to support parents in finding work. Schools are encouraged to serve a variety of healthy options, including porridge, wheat biscuits, fresh fruit, and yoghurt.

Labour has committed to expanding the program, pledging to introduce breakfast clubs in all primary schools.

Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that existing breakfast clubs in England have helped improve educational performance among seven-year-olds. The study also highlighted that even students who did not attend the clubs benefited from a calmer classroom environment, though the impact on reducing absences was relatively small—about half a day per pupil.

The initiative aims to tackle child poverty and ensure that every child has a fair start in life.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the importance of these programs in closing the gap between background and success. She stated, "Breakfast clubs can make a significant difference in children’s lives, providing nourishment for both their bodies and minds, ensuring they start the school day ready to learn." She also highlighted the government’s broader education reforms, including plans for school-based nurseries.

The program will cover both food and staffing costs for participating schools. According to the Department for Education, breakfast clubs have been shown to enhance children's reading, writing, and maths skills by an average of two months.

Jackie Fitton, headteacher of Kearsley West Primary School in Bolton, praised the initiative, calling it a “lifesaver” for her school. "Breakfast clubs have already had a huge impact on students’ well-being, giving them time to settle in, socialize, and prepare for learning," she said.

The full list of 750 participating schools will be released on Monday.