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Over 2,000 children get extra £175k for free healthy breakfasts

More children across Southwark’s schools-based nurseries are starting the day right with a free, healthy breakfast following increased funding from Southwark Council.
Children enjoying a healthy breakfast
  • Free, healthy breakfasts in nurseries are getting a further £175k boost from Southwark Council.
  • 54 nurseries have begun to offer or have extended existing free, healthy breakfasts thanks to the uplift.
  • It’s the first time the council has increased funding for nursery breakfasts as part of their efforts to tackle child hunger.

More children across Southwark’s schools-based nurseries are starting the day right with a free, healthy breakfast following increased funding from Southwark Council.

In 2019, the council extended their longstanding free school meals offer to all school nursery classes and maintained nursery schools to help guarantee local children the best start in life.

Each school decides how this funding is used for lunches, breakfasts or to provide healthy snacks throughout the day. This is to best suit the needs of children, attendance patterns, and on-site facilities. 

Last year, the council agreed to allocate an additional £175,000 to help maintained nurseries to start offering a free healthy breakfast, extend their existing breakfast offer, or enhance the meal or snack offer across the day.

From spring term 2024 to summer term 2025:

  • if a child is eligible for 30 hours of funding, the school is allocated to £2.65 a week (equivalent of 5 breakfasts per week) 
  • if a child is eligible for 15 hours of funding, the school is allocated to £1.59 a week (equivalent of 3 breakfasts per week).

Cllrs Akoto and Ali joined children for breakfast at Nell Gwynn Nursery School, who used the extra funding to increase the options available for their existing free, healthy breakfasts and snacks throughout the day. 

Pippa Baker, Head of School and SENCo at Nell Gwynn Nursery School, said: “It’s been brilliant having the funding uplift, which has helped us increase the healthy food options we can offer our children. We have more of a range of fruits and wholegrain breads. We have more sensory seeking options for our children with neurodiversity, like crackers and carrots. Our children now enjoy things like blueberries and strawberries, which were previously too expensive.

“Our children really enjoy sitting together and having breakfast. It’s a social experience. When children are hungry, they can’t settle properly. Their behaviour and concentration is inevitably impacted. A free healthy breakfast equips them to be able to get on with their school day, while giving peace of mind for some of our families who are struggling with the cost of living.” 

Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We know that during the early years is best time for learning healthy behaviours. Free, healthy breakfasts in nurseries help us set healthy eating habits at a young age so they become lifelong, giving Southwark’s children the best start in life.”

Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Refugees, said: “A free healthy breakfast sets children up for success in learning and play for the rest of the day. This extra money for free healthy breakfasts in nurseries means money back in parents’ pockets for other necessities as the cost-of-living crisis continues. 

“In Southwark, we know very well the benefits of universal meals in educational settings. We’ve been delivering free healthy school meals for over a decade. Thanks to the Labour government offer, we will get on with rolling out free healthy breakfasts too.”

Date
11 November 2024