This week the government has started rolling out their free breakfast club scheme, which will be trialled in 750 primary schools until July. The initiative – which, as many are quick to point out, is not actually free but funded by the taxpayer – will cost around £30 million. However, many headteachers have warned of a funding shortfall as the basic rate is just 60p per meal per day (with an additional 78p per pupil per day added based on the proportion of free school meal pupils at the school).
When I first heard about the proposal in Labour’s manifesto, I did my usual teacher eye-roll. I thought: here is yet another abdication of parental responsibility, yet another demand placed on overburdened schools, yet another example of state overreach. My cynicism comes from having worked at both ends of the social spectrum. I have taught at a state secondary school where pupils come into school hungry and tired, or hyped-up from a morning can of Monster and a chocolate bar, only to crash by 10 o’clock.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in