Schools in England to follow Wales in free school breakfasts
It is estimated that over 100 million free breakfasts have been provided across Wales
The UK Government has opened applications for breakfast clubs in England, after over 100 million free breakfasts have been provided in schools in Wales
Schools in England can apply to hold breakfast clubs from April 2025, "following the success of the roll-out by the Welsh Labour Government here in Wales" says the Welsh Government.
In Wales, free breakfasts have been provided in primary schools since 2004 and have been protected in legislation since 2013.
It is estimated that over 100 million free breakfasts have been provided across Wales in the last decade.
The most recent data shows the number of primary school aged children receiving a free breakfast in Wales has increased by almost 12,000 over the last two years (Pupil-level annual school census, 2023 and 2024).
This is in addition to the roll-out of universal free school meals for primary school children which was first announced in 2021 and has seen over 30 million additional meals served since.
First Minister, Eluned Morgan said: “After two decades of free school breakfasts in Wales, it is fantastic to see the programme being offered to primary schools in England.
"A healthy school meal is vital in ensuring that no child feels hungry during the school day, helping their concentration and wellbeing and enabling them to achieve their full potential.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said:
"Only under a Labour government will barriers to opportunity be broken down.
"Providing free, nutritious meals at school shows this Welsh Labour Government delivering on our priority to provide opportunity for every family."