Overview
Schools taking part in the programme will receive funding to provide a free breakfast club for all pupils from reception to year 6.
Full programme guidance (opens in new tab) is available to help you set up and run free breakfast clubs, and meet the requirements of the programme.
What are the minimum requirements
You must run a breakfast club that is:
- free
- open to all pupils in reception to year 6
- running for at least 30 minutes before the start of the school day
- located on, or nearby to, the school site
- providing food that meets the school food standards (opens in new tab)
Who can join the free breakfast clubs programme
The programme is rolling out in phases. The Department for Education will contact schools when they become eligible.
Who can attend free breakfast clubs
Free breakfast clubs are for primary aged pupils. You may allow other pupils to attend, however, funding can only be claimed for those pupils who are in reception to year 6. Eligible pupils must arrive in time to benefit from an earlier start to the school day.
You cannot cap the number of pupils allowed to attend the free breakfast club. Booking systems can be used to help plan staffing, food and space.
How free breakfast clubs fit into the childcare offer
You can continue to offer paid-for childcare before the free breakfast club. Pupils must be able to access the free breakfast club without attending paid-for childcare.
You can use private, voluntary or independent providers to deliver free breakfast clubs on site or at a nearby, off-site location.
How to join the programme
If you have received an email inviting you to the programme, you can register for a breakfast club account (opens in new tab).