Overview

• Around 500,000 additional children are set to benefit as the scheme expands to roughly 2,000 more schools across England.
• The first new cohort will join in April 2026, with further schools expected to follow in September according to earlier briefings.
• The expansion builds on an early adopter pilot in 750 primaries that has served about two million breakfasts since April 2025.
• Ministers say families could save up to £450 a year and gain around 95 hours of time through before-school provision.
• Head teachers welcome the aim but urge assurances on funding, staffing and space, with application details due later this year.