Breakfast clubs are a fun, affordable and safe way to start the day. They give children the opportunity to socialise with friends, eat a healthy breakfast and take part in informal learning activities. Research from pilot studies show that breakfast clubs have positive effects on children who attend, resulting in:
improved concentration
better understanding of healthy eating
improved social skills
less bullying
better behaviour
Learning Plus has submitted successful bids to the Big Lottery Fund and the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, to fund breakfast club places in Islington schools. When the third cohort of breakfast clubs opened in September 2005, there were a total of 819 available breakfast club places in 35 schools - over 60% of primary, secondary and special schools. Learning Plus provide support and advice on all aspects of setting up and maintaining breakfast clubs, including funding, running activities and food.