More school pupils to qualify for free breakfasts from next term
Schools in Wath, Swinton and Rawmarsh will introduce free breakfasts for pupils from the September term.
The move is part of the roll-out of the scheme nationally, intended to help struggling families, and comes alongside caps on branded uniforms – a source of concern among some parents.
It is estimated by the Government the free breakfasts will save families £450 a year.
In John the Rawmarsh and Conisbrough constituency, three primary schools have been included in the latest roll out, including St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in, Rawmarsh, Wath Victoria Primary School and Milton School in Swinton.
They join Edlington Victoria Academy, Highfield Farm Primary School in West Melton and Morley Place Academy in Conisbrough.
It is argued that children who arrive for lessons hungry are much less likely to perform well that those who have had a meal.
From September, schools across Rotherham must also comply with the new legal limits on the number of branded uniform items they can require. It means parents can buy more of the everyday basics, like trousers and shirts, from any shop or supermarket rather than one pricey supplier.
Heading back to school is now set to be almost £1,000 cheaper for many families, according to the Government. A child could benefit from up to £450 a year through a free breakfast club and up to £500 a year through the expansion of free school meals to every household on Universal Credit – in addition cheaper uniform costs.
MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, John Healey said: “I’ve been working hard with the Labour government to get Best Start free breakfast clubs into local schools and I’m really pleased to be delivering.
“This expansion secures savings for local families when they need it most and will mean every child, no matter their background, can feel the benefits of a nutritious breakfast before school.
“Alongside welcome action on the cost of school uniform, Labour is cutting the cost of getting children into school so they can get the brilliant education they deserve.”
The development builds on the expansion of funded childcare, with Labour’s rollout now saving families using their full 30 hours an average of £8,000 a year per child.