Universal breakfast clubs reduce stigma, say parents

Applications have now opened for another 1500 primary schools in England to join the government's flagship Best Start free breakfast clubs programme from September 2026.

According to latest figures, 7 million meals have already been delivered by the first 750 schools during the early adopter 'test and learn' phase in 2025. Another 500 schools are already preparing to join the programme from April 2026, with the government's ambition to establish a free breakfast club in every state funded primary school by 2029.

A key principle of the programme is that breakfast clubs are offered universally to all pupils in the participating schools. New polling conducted with parents by Deltapoll for the government reinforces the value of this universal approach in reducing any stigma associated with sending children to a free breakfast club.

According to the research, 6 in 10 parents say that they are more likely to access support when it’s available to everyone. Whilst there are many considerations for parents in choosing a school for their children, 45% of parents agree that having a free breakfast club would positively influence them in choosing a school.

Responding to the findings, Children's Food Campaign Manager Barbara Crowther says:

"It's vital that schools are a place where every child feels equal and free of stigma. When you listen to children themselves, or to parents, there is a fear of being identified through means-tested approaches on school food that can lead to lower uptake and a sense of stigma, even where schools are working hard to avoid this.

"By making breakfast clubs universal, just like our Universal Infant Free School Meal programme, these barriers are removed for parents and children alike, and much broader participation is achieved. 

"However it's vital that the resources available to schools are sufficient and flexible to run effective breakfast provision including supporting the staffing, supervision, kitchen facilities as well as healthy and sustainably sourced food for pupils as much as possible, so government investment delivers the most positive impact. We're pleased government has already adjusted the funding model in response to schools' initial feedback, and we look forward to the continued strengthening of the programme as it expands." 

Diane Newton, Head Teacher, Field Road Academy, West Midlands said:

For our school, a free breakfast club will enormously improve attendance and set our pupils up for a day of learning.

The fact this club is free and open to everyone will help break down any stigma attached to accessing free meals, ending the perception support should only be for those most in need.

Everyone, from every type of family, has something to gain from using a free breakfast club - from putting some extra money back in parents’ pockets, helping them get to work easier, to improving children’s wellbeing.

Maria Carnevale is a single mum of three living in Eastwood in Rotherham, balancing work, family life, and caring for a newborn. Reflecting on the difference breakfast club makes, she says:

My kids absolutely love breakfast club - it gives them such a fun, positive start to their day and the chance to chat, play and engage with their friends before school begins.

It’s become something they genuinely look forward to each morning, and it sets them up in such a good mood for the day ahead.

For me, it’s made a huge difference too; it helps our mornings run smoothly, takes away the rush and stress, and means I can get to work on time or spend those precious moments with my newborn that I’d otherwise miss.

Schools can now apply to join Best Start breakfast club programme here