Two schools in Barking – Monteagle Primary School and Richard Alibon Primary School – are being funded to provide free breakfast clubs as part of the Labour government’s national roll out.
Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parlaiment for Barking, celebrated the plans during a statement from the Education Secretary in the House of Commons on Monday, raising the importance breakfast clubs play to support families with food insecurity and help boost school attendance.
Nesil Caliskan MP added: “Every child should start their school day with a full tummy, hungry to learn – and not hungry for food.”
“I’m backing this Labour government’s Plan for Change to make that a reality, with free breakfast clubs to keep money in families’ pockets and children ready to learn.
“I’m grateful this government is funding Barking’s schools for important programmes like free breakfast clubs. The evidence shows they will help boost attendance rates and improve student performance in Barking.”
This investment is part of the Labour government’s Plan for Change and is expected to help parents in Barking and Dagenham save an estimated £450 per year.
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:
“I have been clear that giving every child the best start in life is my top priority, and integral to our mission to ensure tens of thousands more children – a record share – are school ready every year.”
“That’s why despite the inherited challenges we face, we are pressing ahead with the investment and leadership needed to make sure that every child, regardless of background, can access the high-quality early education they deserve.”
“Today marks an important step towards an early years system that is accessible for parents, sustainable for providers, and better serves children’s development.”
