The UK Government has pledged to introduce Breakfast Clubs to all state-funded primary schools.
This initiative aims to ensure that children start their day with a nutritious meal, setting them up for success in learning and development, whilst providing childcare services for working parents
At Forerunner, we understand that this may have caused a lot of anxiety at your school...
'How are we going to staff the clubs?'
'How are we going to feed the children so early in the morning?'
'How is this going to be funded?
If your school wants to prepare to implement or expand an existing breakfast program, now is the perfect time to find a trusted school meal supplier.
Forerunner is currently accepting enquiries from schools across the area to discuss how we can meet your breakfast needs.
What has been pledged by the government?
On Thursday 21st November, we attended a presentation delivered by the Department for Education (DfE) reiterating that the government is committed to "deliver on its pledge to provide a free breakfast club in every state-funded school with primary-aged children in England"
What are the current timelines?
The DfE have confirmed that the programme will begin with 750 'early adopter' schools from April 2025, as part of a 'test and learn' phase.
The current National Schools Breakfast Programme (NSPB) will continue to run, with the current contract confirmed until July 2025.
This 'test and learn' phase will be in advance of the national rollout.
What food will the programme require?
The School Food Standards will apply to Breakfast Clubs, which give guidelines on the types of food and drink that schools must provide.
The DfE confirmed that schools will be issued with specific guidance, including an outline of what a healthy breakfast looks like.
For illustration, the current School Food Standards identify the following as key to a child's healthy diet:
Plenty of fruit and vegetables
Plenty of unrefined starchy foods
Some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein
Some milk and dairy foods (and a small amount of food and drink high in fat, sugar and/or salt)
This should give some idea of expected guidelines for breakfast items.
Forerunner will be able to support and advise on feasible menus and sourcing breakfast foods.
How Forerunner can support you
As with most schools and organisations, Forerunner are awaiting more details from the DfE about how the programme will be implemented and funded.
In the meantime, you may wish to get ahead of the curve and begin to plan how a breakfast food service may look for your school.
At Forerunner, we currently prepare and deliver cold lunches (that are then warmed up) for schools across Bournemouth, Pool and the surrounding area.
We are looking to consult with local schools about their plans, questions & concerns for the Breakfast Club programme.