Free breakfast club initiative could save parents up to 95 hours in childcare | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJasmine NordenThursday 20 November 2025 01:26 GMTChris Philp hits out at 'parent responsibility' as Labour announce 'universal' free school breakfast clubsThe government has announced funding for 500 new free school breakfast clubs in deprived areas, with an additional 1,500 clubs to follow.Primary schools where at least 40 per cent of pupils qualify for free school meals are eligible to apply for the funding, which opens on Thursday.This initiative aims to support communities most affected by the cost of living crisis, helping to tackle child poverty and ensure children do not start the school day hungry.Parents could save up to £450 a year, and the clubs are expected to serve half a million more children, potentially saving parents up to 95 hours in childcare.Schools will receive £25 daily for staffing and £1 per child, an increase from pilot funding, which school leaders have welcomed but suggest needs ongoing review.In fullHow school breakfast clubs can save families ‘feeling the sharpest squeeze’ up to £450Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in