It’s been four weeks since staff at Holbrook Primary School launched their new free, universal breakfast club and everyone has been blown away by the take up!
Holbrook Primary School, Trowbridge was successful in their application to be an early adopter school and to feedback to the Department for Education ahead of a planned national roll out of free breakfast clubs in all primary schools.
When planning the club it quickly became clear that making it fun was the most important factor for pupils. The school is now attracting around 100 pupils per day to have fun with their friends, eat breakfast and connect with school staff ahead of the regular start to the day.
“It’s an absolute joy to welcome the children into school for free breakfast club each morning,” said Vicki Cottrell, Headteacher. “There are so many happy faces and they all have such a positive start to their day.
“We aspire for all 230 of our pupils to join us for breakfast club and are working hard to build an offer that is fun and supports our families and wider community. Many of our parents and carers have fed back to us about the difference the club is making to their mornings, including getting to work and providing breakfast free of charge.”
The club began when children returned to school following the Easter holidays. Children are welcomed into school at 8:10am and the club runs until the start of the school day. Children are offered a healthy breakfast in the school hall including toast, cereal and fresh fruit.
There are classrooms open for children to chose from offering play or a calmer start to the day. Music and outdoor play are also key aspects of Holbrook Breakfast Club. Children feedback to school leaders regularly ensuring that the club is informed by their experiences and builds on its early success.
The club is run by Holbrook staff, ensuring children have familiar, trusted adults to meet them in the morning. Staff have already noticed an improvement in attendance for some pupils and an enhanced readiness at the start of the day.
“We are delighted that so many of our children are attending universal free breakfast club,” added Rose Nunn, Deputy Headteacher. “We have already seen that our children who attend are calm and positive when lessons start, having had time to reconnect with their friends. We know children have eaten breakfast which enhances their ability to focus and enjoy their learning. We are so grateful to all our staff, pupils and families for making the club such a success.”
Senior leaders meet with the Department for Education and other early adopter schools regularly to share experiences and good practice. Feedback from early adopter schools will help inform guidance ahead of a planned national roll out.
Holbrook Primary School, Trowbridge still has places available in some year groups. Please contact the school office for more information and to book a tour on 01225 753708.
