Free breakfast clubs in schools across England are helping parents get to work on time, reducing stress for families and supporting children’s social development, according to new research commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE).
The study, conducted by Ipsos Mori, surveyed 5,487 parents across 321 schools offering free breakfast clubs. Researchers also carried out interviews with parents and observed provision in eight schools to explore how the clubs are used and the benefits they provide.
Enabling parents to work longer hours was the most commonly reported reason for using the clubs, cited by 53% of respondents. Child enjoyment was the second most common motivation, at 43%, followed by the convenience of easier school drop-offs, reported by 35%.
Parents expressed high levels of satisfaction with the provision, with at least 67% satisfied across all aspects surveyed. Safety received the highest satisfaction rating, at 94%, followed by flexibility of attendance at 92% and the space provided at 90%.
However, some parents wanted improvements, with 8% dissatisfied with the variety of food available and the same proportion wanting clubs to start earlier.
The research found that breakfast clubs can help children make a calmer transition into the school day. More than four in 10 parents (42%) said their child experienced less stress in the mornings, while 38% reported that their child settled more easily at the start of the school day.
These benefits appeared particularly pronounced for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Among their parents, 49% reported reduced morning stress and 46% said their child settled more easily at school.
Parents of children with SEND also placed particular value on the provision, with 78% saying it supported their child’s needs.
Social development was another key benefit. Nearly three-quarters of parents (72%) said their child had made friends through the provision, while 21% reported improvements in their child’s social skills.
For families, the clubs helped make mornings more manageable and predictable. More than two-thirds of parents (68%) said mornings were less stressful, while 76% reported having more predictable routines.
Employment emerged as a major benefit of the programme, with eight in 10 parents (80%) saying the provision helped them get to work on time.
Almost three-quarters (73%) said the clubs enabled them to work earlier or take on additional hours, suggesting that access to breakfast provision can help families manage their working commitments.
The findings also pointed to financial benefits for households. More than half of parents (52%) said they spent less on childcare, while 36% reported lower spending on breakfast food.
A third (33%) said they had more money available for other needs. Meanwhile, 22% reported being less likely to run out of food before payday, suggesting that free breakfast clubs may also help ease pressure on household food budgets.
Recommendations for the programme’s future
The report suggests that schools and the Department for Education should continue to communicate the wider benefits of breakfast clubs, emphasising that they offer more than a meal. Their role in providing a “soft start” to the school day and supporting working families could help more parents understand the value of the provision.
It also highlights the importance of allowing schools flexibility in how they deliver their clubs while maintaining the core features parents value.
For children with SEND, quiet spaces and environments that support individual needs could help ensure the provision remains inclusive.
The research also identifies a need to improve communication about universal eligibility and increase the visibility of the clubs, so parents have a clearer understanding of what is available.
Finally, booking and attendance arrangements should remain flexible enough to accommodate the different circumstances and needs of families.
