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Written question asked by Damian Hinds (Conservative) on Friday, 25 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Free School Meals: Primary Education

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answers of 22 April 2025 to Questions 41031, 41032, 41033 and 41034, on Free School Meals: Primary Education, whether her Department’s modelling for the breakfast club early adopter scheme assumes an average take up of 50 per cent.

Answer

The department is funding 750 early adopter schools to provide access to a free, universal breakfast club lasting at least 30 minutes. Schools will receive a combination of set-up, fixed-term and per-pupil payments to cover staffing, delivery and food. Funding rates vary depending on uptake and pupil characteristics.

On average, a school with 50% take-up would receive around £23,000 for a full year. The funding model is designed to ensure that allocations reflect actual take up in early adopter schools.

A key aim of the early adopter programme is to test and learn about take-up across a diverse range of schools, to help inform future national rollout.

The department used existing programmes and cost data to determine the funding rates and methodology, which have been tested and refined with a number of schools. It is designed to ensure schools can meet the minimum expectations, including a 30 minute breakfast club with food that meets the school food standards.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
48094
Session
2024-26
Related items
Free School Meals: Primary Education
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Free School Meals: Primary Education
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Free School Meals: Primary Education
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Free School Meals: Primary Education
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Free school meals Primary education National school breakfast programme
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk