Help with school costs - free breakfast clubs for all

West Lothian Council is now reminding parents that free breakfast clubs exist in all of West Lothian's primary schools and are available to all children.

The council spends nearly £1 million each year to provide free breakfasts at all West Lothian schools.

All primary school pupils are entitled to a free breakfast, and over 4,200 are served daily across all schools. Parents and carers who would like their children to attend breakfast clubs should contact their individual school.

Executive councillor for Education, Andrew McGuire, visited Polkemmet Primary School's Breakfast Club recently.  The Breakfast Club at Polkemmet Primary School is always well attended with 40-50 children attending each day.

Councillor McGuire said:

"We know the hugely positive impact that free school breakfasts can have on our pupils, and we'd encourage more parents to find out what the arrangements are within their child's own school.

"We want all children to have the same chances in life. Sadly we know that is not always the case.  Poverty within families and communities can have a real impact on a child's education. In West Lothian, no child should be beginning their school day hungry and every child has access to free breakfast before they start their day of learning."

"Working parents find breakfast clubs really important as they provide them with an opportunity to drop their child off at school early which then allows them to get to their place of work, safe in the knowledge that their child is within school, supervised, with their friends and have access to a nutritious breakfast."

Headteacher Linda Baxter said: "Our Breakfast Club provides pupils with the opportunity to socialise with one another and have a healthy breakfast before the day's learning commences. Our pupils have told us that having a healthy breakfast, helps them to feel ready to concentrate and 'settle into their daily lessons. There's a great atmosphere for the pupils and they enjoy it before they start the school day."  

For more details on Help with Costs, visit Cost of Living Hub West Lothian (opens new window)