05-03-2025
Free breakfast club pilot coming to three Penrith schools
Three schools in Penrith and Solway are set to take part in Labour's new 'free' breakfast clubs scheme.
Culgaith CE Primary School, Broughton Primary School, and Wigton Nursery and Infant School will be among the first to offer the taxpayer-funded scheme to all primary-aged children.
This initiative is part of the UK Government's plan to deliver on their manifesto promises.
Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, said: "The Government funding for new free breakfast clubs is great news for Culgaith CE Primary School, Broughton Primary School, and Wigton Nursery and Infant School.
"It means the 54 pupils at Culgaith, 147 at Broughton, and 162 pupils at Wigton will be offered a free breakfast before the school day starts.
"It's essential that our young ones start the day with the energy a good breakfast brings.
"And it's great for their parents as they'll be able to get off to work that little bit earlier.
"I can't wait to see the government deliver this manifesto promise across all primary schools in Cumbria."
The breakfast clubs will provide a meal to pupils every day, in addition to acting as childcare.
The clubs are estimated to save parents up to £450 a year in direct costs.
However, opponents argue costs are ultimately passed on through taxation.
The scheme is part of Labour's commitment to tackle child poverty.
According to the government, of the 180,000 children who will be part of the early adopter schools nationwide, around 67,000 attend schools in deprived areas.
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."
The three schools are part of the first 750 schools to take part in the scheme, which will start in April.
The clubs come alongside other measures announced by the government, including a cap on the price of branded uniform items.
