School breakfast clubs in Liversedge and Birstall ‘making real difference’

Schools in Liversedge and Birstall are “making a real difference” for children and families with the offer of free breakfast clubs.

Millbridge Primary Academy and Birstall Primary Academy have rolled out the new government-funded clubs, with over 90 and 70 pupils, respectively, enjoying breakfast and spending time with friends before the official start of the school day.

Millbridge Primary Academy has rolled out the new Government-funded breakfast club with around 90 pupils enjoying breakfast and spending time with friends before the official start of the school day.

placeholder image — Millbridge Primary Academy has rolled out the new Government-funded breakfast club with around 90 pupils enjoying breakfast and spending time with friends before the official start of the school day.

Rhona Pleasant, headteacher at Millbridge Primary Academy, based on Vernon Road in Liversedge, said: “Our numbers continue to grow. As well as providing a healthy breakfast, we have noticed a dramatic improvement in school attendance and punctuality.

“Children are settled coming into school, and the earlier, quieter start provides a calm and friendly start to the day.”

Nadia Hamman, principal at Birstall Primary Academy, added: “Our breakfast club has quickly become a valued part of the school day.

“It is about far more than providing a healthy breakfast. It gives pupils the chance to start the day positively, spend time with friends and arrive in class feeling calm, settled and ready to learn.

“The breakfast club is making a real difference to our children and families, and we are incredibly proud of the role it is playing in giving every pupil the very best start to their day.”

Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, visited both breakfast clubs to meet with pupils and staff to see the positive impact they are having on the whole school community.

MP Kim Leadbeater with staff and pupils at Birstall Primary Academy.

She said: “Every child deserves to be able to start the school day ready to learn, after a nutritious and filling breakfast.

“The clubs however are so much more than just food. The children have time to interact with their friends and they can settle into the school day, ready to start learning.

"They also provide essential support to parents and carers.

“The government’s commitment to rolling out free breakfast clubs is a significant investment in children and their families and represents real benefits to schools across our community.”