New programme set to help families save money and give children a better start to the day

8th October 2025

Luke Myer MP has welcomed the government’s announcement to roll out another 2,000 funded breakfast clubs across England next year, following successful pilots at schools including Pennyman, Skelton and Lockwood in Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland. The expansion will allow many more primary schools in the area to benefit, while parents could save an estimated £450 a year.

Earlier in the year, Luke visited Pennyman Primary Academy to see the breakfast club in action as part of the pilot programme. The visit highlighted the transformative impact the clubs are having on pupils, with children starting the day more settled, happy, and ready to learn, while also benefiting from additional play, reading and catch-up activities.

The school has reported that attendance at the club has grown rapidly and the scheme is helping to create calm, confident routines for children while also providing opportunities to involve parents and the wider community. Beyond providing a nutritious breakfast, the programme is supporting wellbeing, inclusion, and the overall start-of-day experience for pupils.

Luke Myer MP said:

 “Every child deserves the best possible start to the day. This programme is helping parents with the cost of living and giving children in our area the chance to begin the day happy, fed and ready to learn. I’m proud to see it expanding and look forward to more schools in Teesside benefiting next year.”