Breakfast Clubs: Positive for pupils, but sustainability concerns remain
As the Voice, Glue, and Bridge of all 1,150 schools in our region, Schools North East exists to amplify the experiences and concerns of our schools at a national level. Through our regular surveys, we ensure policy discussions are informed by the operational realities facing school leaders. Our latest findings on free breakfast clubs show a clear picture: schools recognise the benefits for pupils, but funding and staffing pressures are raising questions about long-term sustainability.
This issue has also attracted national media attention, including coverage by BBC, reflecting the growing importance of breakfast provision within wider debates about school funding and pupil support in our region.
Strong impact for pupils, but mixed participation
Breakfast provision is strongly aligned with school priorities, with over 70% of respondents saying the rollout supports their wider aims. Where clubs are already in place (either as part of the programme or independently of it), the impact is overwhelmingly positive—nearly 90% of schools reported benefits, particularly in pupil wellbeing, alongside improvements in attendance and readiness to learn.
However, participation in the government’s free breakfast club programme remains mixed. Around 35% of schools are early adopters or planning to join in 2026, while 44% are undecided or not planning to participate. This reflects concerns about whether the programme is financially and operationally viable.
Funding and staffing challenges remain significant
Funding shortfalls are a major concern. Just under 60% of schools said funding does not cover costs, and only 15% reported that it fully funds provision. Many schools are subsidising breakfast clubs from core budgets, with 38% reporting a negative financial impact.
Staffing is the most significant operational challenge, cited by over 70% of schools. Recruiting staff for early-morning roles is difficult, and many schools are redeploying existing staff, including teaching assistants, which can reduce support capacity during the school day.
The impact on special schools across the country
As the power behind the National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals, we also sought out the valued opinions of those 300+ members where just over 40% currently operate a breakfast club.
They reported breakfast clubs are having a clear positive impact on pupils’ wellbeing, readiness to learn, and emotional regulation, particularly for those who arrive hungry or have long journeys to school. Schools also report pupils are more settled, focused, and prepared for the day, with some also seeing improved communication with parents and better support for pupils with poor attendance.
However, transport arrangements are the main barrier to access, especially in special, alternative provision, and hospital settings where pupils rely on fixed local authority transport schedules. These timings often do not align with breakfast provision, limiting participation. Some schools have adapted by offering shorter sessions or integrating provision into the school day, but transport constraints and funding shortfalls continue to present significant challenges.
Sustainability must be addressed
In the North East, challenges around breakfast clubs come alongside wider financial pressures, particularly SEND funding, which over 70% of schools identified as their greatest financial concern.
Schools remain committed to supporting pupils and recognise the clear benefits breakfast clubs provide. However, our findings highlight the importance of ensuring funding and delivery expectations reflect the real costs and operational realities schools face.
Long-term sustainability will be essential to ensuring breakfast provision can continue to deliver positive outcomes without placing further strain on school budgets and staff.