MP encourages local schools to sign-up for Best Start breakfast clubs
21/11/2025
Breakfast clubs for 5-7 year olds have been proven to boost average attainment in maths, reading and writing
Banbury’s MP, Sean Woodcock, says he’ll be working with local schools to get their bids in for funding for the government’s new free Best Start breakfast clubs.
Applications opened yesterday for the next wave of 500 schools to benefit from the programme, which could save parents in less well-off areas up to £450, with 95 hours of childcare per year.
The programme is prioritising schools with the highest proportion of pupils on free school meals.
Locally Bloxham Grove Academy is eligible to apply at this first stage, with three more schools in in the Banbury constituency able to join the scheme from next September.
Mr Woodcock said: “From my conversations with families across Banbury, I know how much difference free breakfast clubs can make, for extra time at the start of the day, for household finances, for children’s life chances.
“It’s brilliant to see clear Labour choices being made – prioritising support to those for hardworking families who need it.
“I’ll be working with schools across Banbury backing their bids to get Best Start clubs from next year.”
The government has increased the per child funding rate for mainstream schools and they will also receive a guaranteed £25 a day to cover staffing and admin so every type of school can easily deliver a breakfast club.
Among children aged 5-7, breakfast clubs have been proven to boost average attainment by the equivalent of 2 months’ progress in maths, reading and writing.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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