Sarah Champion MP welcomes the announcement that 18 Rotherham schools will be able to join Labour’s Free Breakfast programme.
Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, has welcomed news that 18 more Rotherham schools’ are eligible for Labour’s Free Breakfast programme, with Kimberworth Community Primary School and Roughwood Primary School to benefit in the April 2026 rollout.
More parents in Rotherham could save up to £450 and 95 hours per year as Labour’s free breakfast club set to target less well-off areas:
Applications open today for the first 500 to start in April 2026, with two in Rotherham encouraged to apply
1,500 more schools to join the programme in September 2026, 16 in Rotherham
The move is the latest step in Labour’s plan for national renewal, offering help immediately to working parents juggling childcare by giving them back up to 95 hours of time – over two and a half working weeks each year. That's money back in pockets and time back in busy lives, helping families get by whilst ensuring children are ready to learn and succeed.
By prioritising schools with the highest proportion of pupils on free school meals, the rollout ensures the real-life impact of free breakfast clubs goes first to where it is most needed.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:
“This is national renewal in action - breaking down barriers so every child gets the best start in life, regardless of their background.”
“By rolling out free breakfast clubs to half a million more children, we're not just filling empty stomachs, we're supercharging the nation’s morning routines.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
“Our free breakfast clubs are ensuring over half a million more children don’t start the school day hungry, and save working parents around £450 a year.”
“We’re launching this in the parts of the country that need it most — helping to bring bills down for families across Britain.”
Commenting, Champion said:
“Two Rotherham primary schools were in the pilot for Labour’s Free Breakfast programme. It has been such a success that now another 18 will become eligible over the next year.”
“Breakfast clubs are great for children, and also great for their parents. Having a full tummy means youngsters start their day ready to learn - given them the best chance of reaching their potential.”
“I am eager support the next 16 Rotherham schools in their bids to become Best Start clubs next year.”
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.
By saving even more parents up to £450 per year, money is going back into communities so they can choose how to spend it. The targeted approach drives more security, respect and opportunity back into society so families and kids can get on in life.
In a landmark move to go even further, the government’s pro-business approach has secured new industry partnerships with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Weetabix as well as Magic Breakfast until July 2026.
This will ensure top British brands can help schools benefit from discounts and free deliveries and kids to have access to healthier, varied meals.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Updated free breakfast club guidance HERE
Updated free breakfast club funding methodology HERE
Education Hub information HERE
Application portal for applying to the April 2026 cohort of the free breakfast programme can be found HERE