Ipswich primary schools urged to apply for free breakfast club scheme

Why it matters: The programme would provide 30 minutes of free childcare and breakfast for pupils before the start of the school day, aiming to ensure children start their learning day well-fed while helping parents with morning childcare.

The big picture: More than 10,000 children in Ipswich could benefit from the scheme, which forms part of a wider government initiative to expand childcare provision in primary schools.

By the numbers:

• The government has committed over £33m to breakfast clubs for 2025-26

• More than 2 in 5 non-working mothers say they would prefer to work if they could arrange suitable childcare

• Over half of parents report problems finding flexible formal childcare

What they're saying: "These breakfast clubs will make a huge difference for families in Ipswich - they make it easier for busy mums and dads to make the time for work and dropping off the kids, they ensure children don't start school hungry, and they help families with the cost of living too," says Abbott.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson adds: "From helping with flexible working for families, to improving behaviour and attendance, the supportive start to the day that breakfast clubs provide will help drive high and rising standards for every child."

What's next: Schools selected as early adopters will help shape the future of the national breakfast club policy. The initiative is part of a broader plan to offer paid-for wraparound childcare from 8:00 to 18:00 for all primary school children.

The bottom line: Primary schools interested in becoming early adopters need to submit their applications by 20 December, with successful schools set to begin providing free breakfast clubs from April 2025.