Political opinion: Free breakfast clubs to save Wolverhampton West parents up to £450 a year
More families and children in Wolverhampton West 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 Jude's C of E Primary Academy, putting up to £450 a year back in local parents’ pockets.
As a result of the advocacy from Wolverhampton West’s Labour Member of Parliament, Warinder Juss MP, 487 children in their constituency will be able to access a nutritious meal at the start of the day.
The clubs come alongside a raft of measures driven forward by Labour to cut the cost of living for families in Wolverhampton West, 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 St Judes C of E Primary Academy 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.
Bridget Phillipson MP, 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.”
Warinder Juss MP, Member of Parliament, for Wolverhampton West, said: “I am so happy to announce that St Judes C of E Primary Academy has been selected as one of Labour’s Best Start free breakfast clubs and I cannot wait to open the club 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.
“Through our Plan for Change, this Labour government is boosting parents work choices and children’s life chances.”
