Back to School just got better for kids and families in Rawmarsh and Conisbrough as the number of local schools with free breakfast clubs has doubled.
Labour’s Best Start breakfast clubs have already been rolled out in Edlington Victoria Academy, Morley Place Academy and Highfield Farm Primary School, putting £450 a year back into hardworking parents’ pockets.
And this September, they are being introduced in St Joseph’s Catholics Primary School in Rawmarsh, Wath Victoria Primary School and Milton School in Swinton.
In addition working parents of children aged between 9 months and four years now have a new entitlement to 30 hours a week free childcare. Families using the full entitlement can save around £7,500 per child per year. That can make a very substantial difference to disposable household income, especially for families with two young children. Childcare costs can otherwise absorb a large proportion of the additional earnings from going back to work or increasing hours. Free provision reduces that barrier, particularly for mothers returning after maternity leave.
Up to 5,310 Rawmarsh and Conisbrough children are now receiving free school meals thanks to the scheme’s expansion, which will save eligible families up to £500. The Government is also updating School Food Standards for the first time in over a decade. Parents have called for this change – 3 in 4 told a consultation exercise they have concerns about their child’s nutrition and 8 in 10 think school dinners needed improving in some way.
Taken together, free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniform costs and 30 hours of government-funded childcare mean some families are set to save up to £8,000.
This is a vital part of this Labour government’s work to create the healthiest generation of children ever and give every child the best possible start in life.
Commenting on the news, John Healey MP, said
“Breakfast clubs boost attendance, attainment and life chances. That’s why Labour is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school.
“And that’s not all we’re doing to make this year’s Back to School better than ever.
“From boosting childcare, to free school meals and nutritional standards, to the cost of uniforms, the Government is taking action to support parents and families on the things that make a difference.
“This is just one part of the wider action being taken to make life easier and give local families some breathing space in challenging times.”