We’ve launched our free Breakfast Club!
Last week marked an exciting moment for us at Co-op Academy Grove – we officially launched our brand-new free Breakfast Club!
We were thrilled to be selected as one of the first 750 schools across the country chosen to take part in this government pilot. The idea behind the free Breakfast Club scheme is to ensure every child has the chance to start their day with a healthy, nutritious meal.
From the moment we opened the doors, we saw how much of a difference it makes. Whether it’s crumpets, fruit, cereal or porridge, our pupils are now arriving at school with full tummies, happy faces and are ready to learn.
Every morning, our school hall is filled with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s calm, sociable and full of chatter. It’s a lovely way to start the day together.
After breakfast, the children enjoy playing with a range of games and toys, giving them time to relax and have fun with friends before lessons begin. Thanks to the generous support of our local councillor, Adrian Knapper MP, we were able to buy a whole range of new resources which have already made a huge difference.
Headteacher, Shirley Carrigan, said: “I’ve already noticed how much of a positive impact the Breakfast Club is having. Pupils are arriving on time, settled and in a much better frame of mind to start learning.
“We know that not every child has access to a nutritious breakfast at home – sometimes it just isn’t affordable – so being able to offer this to all our families, for free, is incredibly important to us.”
This programme is about more than just food – it’s about giving children the best possible start to their day. Research shows a clear link between having a good breakfast and improvements in behaviour, attendance and school performance.
Our goal is to welcome as many children as possible into the Breakfast Club each morning. Whether they come for the food, the company, or the games, what matters is that they start their day feeling ready, focused, and valued.
We’re proud to be leading the way in this pilot scheme and proud to see the smiles on our pupils’ faces as they tuck into breakfast with their friends. It’s already become a special part of our school day, and we can’t wait to see how it continues to grow.