Breakfast club trials in some South West schools

More than 40 schools across the South West have been selected to trial new free breakfast clubs.

The government pilot in April will help shape a scheme due to be rolled out to all primary schools later this year.

Breakfast clubs were a manifesto pledge by the Labour government, which it estimates could save parents up to £450 a year per child.

Plymouth councillor Sally Cresswell, cabinet member for education, said the free school meals would help with the cost of living crisis.

She told the council's cabinet that children would get breakfast and care before school so parents could go to work, training or education.

"This is an opportunity to shape what the national breakfast club strategy will be and how well it will be delivered when it comes out in full," she said.

"It is a practical policy encouraging children to achieve and thrive."

She added: "A nutritious breakfast at the breakfast club will allow pupils to have a positive interaction with other children, a gentle and calm start to the day and a feeling of belonging that is so important."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, schools had to apply before Christmas 2024 to be considered for the scheme.

Devon

Broadclyst Community Primary School; East Worlington Primary School; St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Axminster; Bearnes Voluntary Primary School; Charleton Church of England Academy; Thurlestone All Saints Church of England Academy; Lew Trenchard Church of England Primary School; Dunsford Community Academy; Whipton Barton Junior School; Whipton Barton Infants and Nursery School; Lifton Community Academy; Beaford Community Primary & Nursery School; St Sidwell's Church of England Primary School & Nursery; Horwood and Newton Tracey Community Primary School; St Andrew's Church of England Academy; Sandford School; Ilfracombe Infant and Nursery School; Shebbear Community School; Tavistock Primary & Nursery School; Stoke Canon Church of England Primary School and Pre-School; Goodleigh Church of England Primary School; St Catherine's CofE Primary School; Glendinning Academy; Ellen Tinkham School; Bidwell Brook School

Plymouth

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School; St Peter's RC Primary School; Widey Court Primary School; Pilgrim Primary Academy; Pennycross Primary School

Torbay

St Michael's Church of England Academy; Sherwell Valley Primary School

Cornwall

Trenance Learning Academy; St Ives Infant School; St Merryn School; Altarnun Primary School; Carclaze Community Primary School; Tregony Community Primary School; Luxulyan School; St Catherine's CofE Primary School; Mount Charles School; St Francis CofE Primary School; Egloskerry Primary School; Jacobstow Community Academy; Gwinear Community Primary School; Community & Hospital Education Service Ap Academy; Penwith Alternative Provision Academy

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].