Nutritional guidelines

With more schools than ever operating breakfast clubs as part of the extended school day we've been regularly asked if we can offer nutritional advice and support specific to a breakfast club. We've therefore been working with expert nutritionists, as well as other national and local bodies and organisations, to produce a comprehensive nutritional guide to support breakfast club delivery.
 
These guidelines are intended for breakfast clubs in schools and community settings in England and align with the government's food-based standards for all school food other than lunches.

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What about clubs in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?

The guidelines do contain advice and guidance which may be relevant and add value to breakfast clubs outside England, but schools and community-run clubs in those countries should also refer to any specific guidelines or legislation pertaining to their locality.

Northern Ireland

Catering for Healthier Lifestyles (2001) sets out compulsory nutritional standards for school lunches, with updated standards introduced in September 2007 for school meals and, in April 2008, for other food and drink provision in schools. These are supported by the School Food: Top Marks programme (2009).

For further information, visit the ETNI website.

Scotland

Building on Hungry for Success (2003), the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act (2007) sets out the Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations (2008). The Regulations have been implemented in primary schools since August 2008 and commenced in secondary schools from August 2009. Standards apply to all local authority maintained schools, grant-aided schools and hostels for pupils maintained by a local authority.

For further information, visit the Scottish Government website.

Further information regarding food in Scotland can be found in Recipe for Success - Scotland's National Food and Drink Policy.

Wales

The Appetite for Life Action Plan (2008) sets out the nutritional requirements for food and drink provision in schools and the actions required to improve the nutritional standards of school meals.

For further information, visit the Welsh Assembly Government website.

Who wrote the guidelines?

The guidelines were developed by an independent team of school nutrition experts, and are based on an original version produced by the Breakfast Club Development Co-ordinator for Telford & Wrekin Council School Improvement Team – Early Years Foundation Stage as part of a Breakfast Clubs Improvement Programme.

This guide has been developed by:

• Kate Comaish, Breakfast Clubs Development Consultant, Telford and Wrekin Council
• Angie Jefferson, Registered Dietitian, Freelance
• Dr Sarah Schenker, Registered Dietitian, British Nutrition Foundation

What is the purpose of the guide?

The purpose of the guide is to provide relevant practical information for schools and governing bodies on providing nutritious, healthy breakfasts that are in line with the government’s food-based standards for all school food other than lunches (England only), which came into effect in September 2007.

A healthy breakfast club looks to:

• ensure that no child will start a school day hungry and without food
• provide the energy and nutrition required by the mind and body for active learning
• improve attendance, concentration and learning in the classroom
• provide positive examples of healthy eating to create a foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits
• enable children to socialise, listen and talk in a relaxed atmosphere.

We hope the guidelines, including the poster and quick reference guide, are both informative and practical, and that they will support school and community-based organisations, governing bodies and management groups that are currently managing, or considering managing, a breakfast club in making fully informed decisions on the food options provided. In addition, guidance is offered as to the healthier options that breakfast clubs can serve.
 
It is accepted that, for many schools and community organisations, there will be a need to make a gradual transition with regards to some of the food options recommended, and so guidance is also provided as to how this may best be achieved. It may be helpful for staff involved in the provision of the breakfast club (or other food service) to attend training on healthy nutrition for schools. This may be provided by your local Health Promotion Service or Community Dietitians.
 
Please note: The guidelines contain food and dietary information and recommendations, with the understanding that staff who work with children are in consultation with parents regarding any known or possible allergies and other dietary needs, whether medical, cultural or religious.

Download the guidelines

Breakfast Club Plus Nutritional Guidelines

Breakfast Club Plus Nutritional Guidelines Poster

Breakfast Club Plus Healthy Eating Quick Reference Guide