The head of a Sheffield primary school has backed government plans to invest an additional £11.8 million in breakfast clubs to support more disadvantaged families.

According to the Department for Education, 1,800 school breakfast clubs have been created or improved since the National School Breakfast Programme (NSBP) launched in 2018, which has helped thousands of children start the day with a healthy and nutritional meal.

Now, the department has announced additional funding for a third year of the programme which will allow up to 650 more schools to benefit by 2021.

Schools Minister Lord Agnew said: “We want every child to lead a healthy, active and happy lifestyle regardless of their background. That’s why we are giving thousands more children in disadvantaged areas the opportunity to attend a breakfast club, which will help boost attendance, behaviour and attainment, helping them to achieve their best in school.

The head of a Sheffield school has welcomed an extension to the National Schools Breakfast Programme | Chris Bull www.chrisbullphotographer.com

placeholder image — The head of a Sheffield school has welcomed an extension to the National Schools Breakfast Programme | Chris Bull www.chrisbullphotographer.com

“Where I want children to succeed, I also want them to grow up happy and confident, ready to take on challenges. Investing in enriching, rewarding summer activities next year will help keep them active and encourage them to get involved in their communities.”

Under the programme, delivered by the charities Family Action and Magic Breakfast, schools are given resources, advice and all the food they need to launch a new breakfast club or improve one already in operation for a period of up to two years.

Beck Primary School, in Shiregreen, is already part of the scheme and is able to offer a healthy school breakfast to all its children.

Head of School Jenny Coats welcomed the latest announcement. She said: “I think it would be excellent if the funding for the Magic Breakfasts was able to be extended. At Beck we have been able to hand out free bagels on the yard and free cereal in our breakfast club as a result of this programme.

Beck Primary School is currently part of the National Breakfast School Programme | Johnston Press Resell ©Dean Atkins Photography

“This means that all our children have the chance to start the school day with a breakfast which many of them tell us they wouldn't otherwise have had.”

The DfE has also announced £9 million in funding to offer activities and free meals during the six week summer holiday this year.