Did you know that children who have a nutritious breakfast gain two months’ extra progress in maths, reading and writing than their peers?
It’s a fact that Bridget Philipson, secretary of state for education, focuses on in her op-ed piece in the Financial Times.
Education reform, she says, needs to go beyond the (very important) aspects of hiring more teachers, updating the curriculum and improving assessment. All of those elements will have limited impact if a child arrives at school without the fuel they need to learn, or doesn’t attend at all.
By offering students a magic breakfast, schools like Dallam Primary School in Warrington have been able to boost attendance, improve focus in class and support the wellbeing of their young people. What’s more, school breakfasts can help children learn key social skills, support parents with extra childcare at the start of the day, transform the behaviour in classrooms and help schools position themselves as a central part of their communities.
By supporting Flic and Magic Breakfast this winter, readers can give children and young people the gift of a full tummy at the start of the day and access to learning that can set them up for life.
[Breakfast] has become a cornerstone of the school’s approach to both education and wellbeing, creating the calm and stable environment pupils need to thrive.”
– Bridget Philipson, Financial Times
