Thousands of Brit households informed they might save ‘as much as £450’ per 12 months from April
The Department for Education has announced an important update that will benefit thousands of children from April 2026. It forms part of the Government’s efforts to tackle the cost of living and help parents juggle work and family life
Thousands will save cash
The Department for Education has revealed a major announcement that’s set to help thousands of youngsters in just a few months’ time. The move is part of the Government’s mission to ‘tackle the cost of living’ and ‘help parents juggle work and family life’.
At present, more than 180,000 pupils from the most deprived areas can benefit from free breakfast clubs, which typically run for 30 minutes before the school day begins.
However, from April 2026, over 500 additional clubs will be rolled out, meaning free breakfast provision will be available in 1,250 schools, supporting over 300,000 youngsters.
Schools currently taking part are scattered across nine regions throughout England and form part of a scheme to ensure that free breakfast clubs are ultimately accessible at every primary school nationwide, reports the Mirror.
Government data shows that schools already signed up have dished out seven million meals, saving households up to £450 annually.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson declared today: “Free breakfast clubs are revolutionising morning routines up and down the country, becoming an essential part of modern-day life for working families.”
She added: “From settling a child into the school day to helping parents get to work, free breakfast clubs are giving every child the best start in life – delivering on our plan for national renewal.
“I was raised by a single parent, so I know first-hand the struggles facing parents trying to make ends meet and how important it is to tackle outdated stigmas with practical support that people can feel every day.”
The announcement also follows research showing nearly four in ten (38%) single parents experience shame when accessing free support, compared to 28% of parents bringing up a family with a partner.
Applications launch today for 1,500 schools to take part in September, enabling 680,000 children to benefit by then.
The Government has set up continuing industry partnerships with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Weetabix, and Magic Breakfast, which will operate until July 2026.
These collaborations provide discounts, free deliveries, and healthier meal options.
Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, said: “This is good news for parents and especially parents juggling the pressures of work and school drop-offs.
“We know that parents want breakfast clubs and it helps them to get children to school and hold down jobs. It’s particularly important for children to start their day well and get ready for school. Parents will applaud this news.”
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