Starting today, thousands of children across the UK will benefit from free breakfast clubs as 750 schools open their doors early, delivering on a key government promise to support
working families.
These breakfast clubs provide more than just a healthy morning meal — they offer 30 minutes of free childcare, giving parents extra time in the morning to get to work, attend appointments, or handle daily tasks. For families using the clubs every school day, this adds up to 95 extra hours and savings of £450 a year.
Combined with other government initiatives like expanded funded childcare and a cap on branded school uniform costs, families could save as much as £8,000 annually — a significant boost at a time when rising living costs are squeezing household budgets.
For many parents, this support couldn’t come soon enough. The government’s message is clear: no matter where you live or how much you earn, every child deserves the same chance to succeed. These clubs are part of a wider effort to level the playing field for families across the country.
The rollout complements broader measures to tackle the cost of living, including falling inflation, rising wages outpacing prices, and a continued freeze on fuel duty — all part of the government's "Plan for Change."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the impact on working families:
“As a parent, I know that the combined pressures of family life and work can often feel impossible to juggle. That is why our manifesto promised to make parents lives easier and put more money in their pockets with free breakfast clubs. Under a year since we came into office, this government is delivering that through our Plan for Change.
The rollout of free breakfast clubs is a truly game-changing moment for families in this country. They mean parents will no longer be hamstrung by rigid school hours and have the breathing space they need to beat the morning rush, attend work meetings and doctors’ appointments, or run errands. And crucially, it means better life chances for children.
By making these clubs free and universal, we’re doing something that previous governments have never done. We’re going further and faster to deliver the change working families deserve. That’s the change this government was elected to deliver”.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:
“Free breakfast clubs are a central part of our Plan for Change. At a time when there is so much pressure on families, they provide real help with the cost of living and ensure children start the day with a nutritious meal.
On top of the hectic school run, parents should not have to worry about how to balance work and getting their children fed and ready for school. These clubs will break down barriers and help children settle in, focus and get the most out of their learning.
We are delivering on our promises and giving every child the best start in life while making sure families get the support they need, wherever they live”.
Recent government data shows that many parents value breakfast clubs not just for the savings, but for their positive impact on wellbeing. Around 30% of parents said it gives kids more time to socialise before class, while 28% saw it as a chance for children to enjoy themselves and ease into the school day — leading to improved focus and behaviour.
This rollout fulfils a key manifesto pledge: to make breakfast clubs available in all state schools and give every child the best possible start, wherever they live.
Victoria Taylor, mum of two children aged 5 and 7, said:
“For me, free breakfast clubs provide vital support, meaning I can get into work a little easier and ensure my two kids are settled and ready to learn.
I’m a primary school teacher, so early mornings are a must however I try to not let my busy schedule dictate the pace of mornings.
Taking my children to breakfast clubs means I know they are fed, ready to start the day and emotionally regulated – the commitment to rollout nationally will make the world of difference for working families”.