The Government has committed to putting a breakfast club in every primary school in England as part of their ambition to address child poverty and support families.

Schools urged to join rollout

Applications are now open for up to 750 schools in England to sign up as ‘early adopters’ of the Government’s free breakfast club scheme.

Early adopter schools will be expected to provide “at least 30 minutes” of before-school provision as well as a nutritious meal. The initiative is set to start in April 2025.

In its guidance for early adopter schools, the Department for Education (DfE) is welcoming interest from schools “that already work with, or are considering working with PVI childcare providers, including childminders, to deliver their breakfast clubs”

Read the guidance for breakfast clubs early adopter schools for more information. Further guidance is expected in January 2025.

Impact on childminders and other PVI providers

In a recent PACEY survey of almost 450 childminders in England, 56% said they offer before-school provision and of these, two-thirds offer breakfast.

28% of PACEY survey respondents said they already have a relationship with local schools and/or early education settings in their area to support with wraparound provision.

PACEY is urging our childminder members to be the proactive party in terms of approaching your local authority, schools and other settings regarding your involvement in the breakfast club scheme, as well as the National Wraparound Childcare Programme and the recently announced childminder flexibilities that allow you to operate in non-domestic premises for a greater amount of time.

Helen Donohoe, Chief Executive at PACEY comments:

“We know that a nutritious breakfast in a calm and nurturing environment is an essential part of ensuring a child starts their day well.

“We will continue to work closely with the DfE to understand the important role that childminders and other PVI providers will play in the successful rollout of this scheme – particularly for families who require more than the 30-minute minimum provision that schools are expected to offer. We will continue to monitor how schools and local authorities engage with and include childminders in their plans. We are keen to hear from our members about any challenges or impact the scheme has on their business.”