Breakfast benefits

Why are breakfast clubs so important?

What will make people want to support them, whether financially or in kind? Why should a school or a community group invest time and resources in offering provision that has traditionally been part of the private family sphere?

Breakfast clubs aren’t intended as a replacement of this family time. They are an alternative option when, for a number of reasons, breakfast in another environment is a welcome choice. This might include:

• young people experiencing economic and social poverty - who aren’t provided with food or education about healthy eating at home
• those whose last hot meal was their school lunch. Monday morning breakfast is a crucial time
• young people who have a long journey to school who leave home too early for breakfast
• families where both parents work and need a safe place for their children to go early in the morning
• young people who find school difficult, who benefit from experiencing learning and interacting with school staff in a less formal environment
• young people for whom home isn’t a safe and supportive place
• young people who need support mixing with their peers and other age groups
• where a club provides additional opportunities, like the chance to learn a new skill or take on a role of responsibility.

Benefits of a balanced meal

By offering a balanced meal, a safe and stimulating environment and social and emotional support to young people breakfast clubs have repeatedly reported the following benefits:

• improved behaviour
• improved attendance
• increased concentration, therefore potentially achievement
• improved punctuality
• reduced bullying through increased cross-age/peer-group communication
• improved social skills and confidence to interact with children and adults alike
• increased understanding of the importance of a healthy eating regime and energy balance
• renewed interest in curriculum subjects
• enhanced relationships with family members and the wider community breakfast clubs.

Teaching staff have reported at least 30 minutes more effective teaching time per day as a result of introducing breakfast clubs. Over an academic year, those minutes add up!

Resources to help you prove the benefits

The Breakfast Club Plus resource page has top tips on how to link your club into the curriculum. It also demonstrates how breakfast clubs are an essential part of study support.

Reports and links

Searching for a quick quote to support your breakfast club or funding bid? 

• NHS Choices Healthy Eating website - Lots of useful health facts and figures to support the healthy breakfast club message.   
• Food for the Brain - A great website highlighting the link between nutrition and wellbeing.  It has a special section for parents and schools and great menu ideas. 
• Healthy schools, healthy children? The contribution of education to pupils health and well-being, Ofsted, June 2006
• Appetite for life Action Plan, October 2008. Welsh Assembly Government's agenda for improving food and drink provided in schools.