Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sarah Bool and Bridget Phillipson

Monday 10th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Bool (South Northamptonshire) (Con)]

2. How many schools left the breakfast club early adopters scheme prior to 24 February 2025.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)]

Last month, Labour announced the first wave of primary schools set to offer the new free breakfast clubs. We were delighted that more than 3,000 schools applied to be early adopters, with 750 starting to deliver from the summer term, meaning that children will start the day ready to learn and parents will save up to £450. While Conservative Members cannot bring themselves to welcome the clubs, Labour is boosting parents’ work choices and children’s life chances.

[Sarah Bool]

Primary schools have been forced to pull out of the pilot or take a financial hit to participate in it. Does the Secretary of State really believe that the basic funding rate for breakfast is 60p?

[Bridget Phillipson]

No, I do not, because that is not actually the case. I am afraid that is not the only area where the hon. Lady is mistaken. The Conservatives should swallow their pride and welcome these breakfast clubs, which will transform the life chances of children across our country, are incredibly popular with parents, and will ensure that all our children get a brilliant start to the school day.