Pressure is mounting on the UK government to expand its free breakfast club initiative in primary schools to ensure that children in special schools and alternative provisions are not left behind. Disability charities are calling for the government to extend the reach of the scheme to cover all primary-aged pupils, not just those in mainstream primary schools.
Government’s Upcoming Wellbeing Bill
The initiative is set to be a cornerstone of the government’s upcoming Children’s Wellbeing Bill, which will outline plans for free breakfast clubs in all primary schools across England. The policy, expected to be announced early next year, aims to improve concentration in the classroom and ease financial pressures on families. Ministers claim the programme could save parents more than £400 a year, playing a key role in the fight against poverty.
Concerns from SEND and Pupil Referral Units
However, charities working with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools and other specialist institutions, like pupil referral units, argue that the legislation’s current language—referring only to “primary schools”—could inadvertently exclude some of the most vulnerable children. They are urging the government to ensure the programme applies to all “primary-aged pupils,” regardless of the type of school they attend.
Financial Struggles of Families with Disabled Children
The financial struggles faced by families with disabled children are at the heart of the campaign. Research by Pro Bono Economics, commissioned by the Disabled Children’s Partnership, highlights that working couples with disabled children earn, on average, £274 less per week than those with non-disabled children. Campaigners argue that these families are particularly in need of the benefits provided by free school breakfasts.
Calls for Inclusive and Flexible Provision
Lindsey MacDonald, Chief Executive of Magic Breakfast, which provides meals to over 200,000 children across England and Scotland, said, “It’s crucial that the opportunities a free school breakfast provides are available to all, so no child is too hungry to learn.”
Stephen Kingdom, Campaign Manager for the Disabled Children’s Partnership, echoed these concerns, stressing that pupils in non-mainstream settings should receive the same support as their peers in primary schools. “To do otherwise would be unjustified,” Kingdom said, pointing to the financial pressures on families with disabled children.
Importance of Inclusive Legislation
Theresa Allotey, Chief Financial Officer of the Agora Learning Partnership, which oversees 10 primary schools in Hertfordshire, emphasized the importance of inclusive legislation. With plans to open a 60-place special school in 2025, Allotey stressed, “The forthcoming legislation must be crafted to maximize its reach and positively impact as many children and young adults as possible.”
Labour’s Budget and Funding Plans
The push for a more inclusive policy comes ahead of Labour’s first budget under Chancellor Rachel Reeves, set for October 30. Labour’s election manifesto pledged £315 million in funding for breakfast clubs by 2028–29, but details about how the scheme will be implemented remain unclear.
Flexible Breakfast Options for All
MacDonald also urged ministers to ensure that schools offer flexible breakfast options beyond just traditional breakfast clubs. “We want to see breakfast provision, not just breakfast clubs,” she said, calling for options like classroom breakfasts, late provision, and ‘grab-and-go’ meals to cater to children who may miss the start of the day.
Government’s Response
A spokesperson for the Department for Education commented, “Breakfast clubs will ensure every child, no matter their circumstances, is well prepared for school and can achieve their full potential by providing a supportive start to the day.” The department added that further details about the programme will be shared in due course.
The Fight for Inclusivity in Education
As the government prepares to launch its wellbeing bill, disability advocates remain steadfast in their demand that all children—especially those in SEND schools and alternative provisions—are included in this critical initiative to combat childhood hunger and support learning.
