Shipley MP urges local schools to sign up for landmark free breakfast club rollout

Anna Dixon MP for Shipley constituency, has urged local primary schools to apply to be one of the early adopters in the new Labour government’s rollout of free breakfast clubs.  

The breakfast clubs, which will launch from April, will ensure no child starts the school day hungry and provide parents with 30 minutes of quality childcare in the morning.  

Anna Dixon, who was elected to Parliament in July, has written to every primary school in Shipley constituency, encouraging them to apply to participate in the rollout of the new Labour government’s program.  

In her letters to the 26 primary schools in her area, Ms. Dixon explained how to apply to be part of the scheme. She also emphasized the importance of a nutritious breakfast for children, citing research that shows breakfast eaters are more alert and experience improved moods throughout the morning. 

Statistics published by Bradford Council in 2022 estimated that 14% of children in Shipley constituency live in relative poverty. These new clubs will help address this issue by removing barriers to opportunity by helping children learn, assisting families with the cost of childcare, and keeping money in people’s pockets. 

The breakfast clubs form part of Labour’s mission to break the unfair link between background and opportunity and deliver change that can be felt by working people.  

Applications open as more than 2 in 5 non-working mothers nationwide say that they would prefer to work if they could arrange good quality, convenient, reliable and affordable childcare, and over half of parents say they have problems finding formal childcare for their child that is flexible enough to fit their needs. 

This action to kick-start the program follows Labour’s Budget which tripled investment in breakfast clubs to over £33 million for 2025-26. 

Anna Dixon MP for Shipley constituency, said: 

“Speaking to parents in my constituency, I know how valuable getting help with breakfast and childcare around the school day can be. 

“Throughout my career, I have been determined to reduce inequalities and help those most in need.  

“These clubs will help to break down the barriers to opportunity for children in Shipley constituency by putting resources in place to ensure that none of our children will begin the school day hungry anymore.   

“Early adopters will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of the national breakfast club policy, contributing directly to its implementation – I hope that as many of the schools I have written to as possible can be part of that.” 

Further details on the national rollout of the breakfast clubs program will follow in due course.