00:00Over 31,000 children in the Northeast are set to benefit from free breakfast clubs
00:05as part of a government initiative aimed at easing the financial pressures on families.
00:1083 additional schools across the region will join the programme in April,
00:14bringing the total number of schools offering breakfast clubs to 145.
00:20These clubs serve free, healthy breakfast to children,
00:23helping them start the school day well-fed and ready to learn.
00:26I think it's a good thing. I think it's a start because the amount of kids I see in the morning
00:31with bags of sweets, cans of Monster that shops are selling that shouldn't be selling,
00:36I think to get the kids in the right frame of mind is to get something nutritious in the first thing.
00:42I think it's massively important.
00:45Yeah, definitely healthier for the kids as well.
00:47Again, but I think they need to roll it out as well into the dinners and everything else,
00:51but then you don't know what they're getting at home, do you?
00:54Parents who use the clubs report saving up to £450 a year,
01:00while also gaining back valuable time in the morning with children arriving earlier for school.
01:05Experts say that children who attend breakfast clubs often show improved school attendance,
01:10behaviour and focus in class.
01:12I think that they definitely not only encourage or like help families who might be struggling
01:20and might not be able to provide, but not just in the sense of like who are impoverished,
01:26but families that like, you know, don't have the time maybe to like provide that kind of care for kids.
01:33But also I grew up going to breakfast clubs and that made me want to go to school
01:37because like the community that you build there is one that kind of helps you navigate through your school life.
01:44The programme is part of a wider strategy by the government to address the growing cost of living.
01:49Schools in more deprived areas such as the North East have been prioritised
01:52with the aim of reducing food insecurity and providing families with vital support.
01:57By removing the stigma of free school services, the programme helps all children feel equal
02:02regardless of their family's financial situation.
02:04Breakfast is so important, especially with free breakfasts because it brings people together.
02:09So not only does it help with like food inequality, of course,
02:14like if you're malnourished, you're not going to be focusing or doing well in school,
02:18but also it generates a sense of community.
02:20Because if you give it to everyone, then they can all come together and have breakfast.
02:23I think it's a good idea.
02:24I think we can afford it and I don't see any downsides to it.
02:27So all free school meals.
02:29I know we're moving towards that, but it's like obviously the most clear one.
02:35I know not necessarily poverty, but more hand-me-down uniform schemes in school as well.
02:42It just eliminates financial stresses from other things related to school.
02:46And obviously with like classroom resources as well.
02:49Just providing as much as we can that can be provided.
02:51As the programme grows, the government is calling on more schools across the country to sign up,
02:56ensuring that no child starts their school day without a healthy meal.
03:05I'm sure that the government getsmaker through the large table as well.
03:09Everything from the school allow me to do with assault.
03:11It makes me feel like in order for that.
03:12I know as the family members, I was� in the air,
03:14I spent most of the time to get married.
03:16I'm sure that they raised safety to my mother's house.
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