As part of our commitment to keeping local authorities informed about the free breakfast clubs programme, we wanted to share a summary of recent communications issued to schools and key stakeholders.

You may already be aware that an additional 1,400 schools are opening free breakfast clubs this term, extending the reach of the programme to more than 680,000 children - Breathing space for families as government eases school costs - GOV.UK

We are grateful for the support local authorities continue to provide to participating schools. As the programme expands, we wanted to ensure that you have visibility of the key information schools are receiving this term.

Key information shared with schools

Schools have been directed to the free breakfast club's user portal, which contains programme guidance, the funding ready reckoner, support resources and contact routes. They have also been signposted to:

·       Free breakfast clubs support videos and delivery guidance.

·       New enrichment offers and information on how to claim them.

·       Food partnership offers and information on how to claim them.

·       Case studies from participating schools.

·       Opportunities to engage with programme communications and share their own experiences.

Pulse surveys

Schools have been advised that they will be asked to complete short pulse surveys throughout the year. These surveys help the programme team understand how delivery is progressing, identify any emerging challenges and target support where needed.

Data collection and reporting

Participating schools have also been reminded of their data collection responsibilities for Autumn Term 2026, including:

·       Recording breakfast club attendance daily through their MIS system.

·       Collecting attendance data during the week commencing 9 November 2026.

·       Submitting attendance data and programme monitoring information between 16 November and 4 December 2026.

The data collected supports programme evaluation and helps ensure payments are calculated accurately and processed on time. Schools have been provided with detailed guidance and key dates to support completion of these requirements.
 

Peer support and best practice

Schools have also been invited to take part in upcoming peer-to-peer cluster sessions led by Free Breakfast Club Champions. These sessions will provide practical support and showcase best practice on topics such as staffing, space, menu design and programme delivery. Local authorities will be able to engage with the Champions in upcoming engagement sessions and agree ways of working going forward.

We are encouraging early adopter schools to liaise with their local authorities to continue to improve the quality of their breakfast clubs, explore ways of continuing to increase uptake, and to share best practice with other schools in their local area.

We greatly value the role local authorities play in supporting schools and helping ensure the success of the programme. We will continue to share key updates with you as the programme progresses.
 

If you have any questions, please do get in touch.