Overview
- The Department for Education confirmed an £80 million expansion, inviting schools with around 40% or more pupils on free school meals to fill 500 places from April 2026, with a further 1,500 schools due to join in September 2026.
- The funding model now provides £1 per child per session and a guaranteed £25 per day for staffing and admin, which the government says raises average support by 28%.
- A one-off setup grant increases to £1,000, and the previous termly staffing lump sum is replaced by the daily payment in response to affordability concerns during the pilot.
- Ministers point to pilot results from 750 clubs serving more than five million breakfasts, with evaluation showing attainment gains equivalent to two months for children aged 5–7.
- Officials estimate families could save up to £450 a year and regain up to 95 hours, with supply partnerships in place with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Weetabix and Magic Breakfast through July 2026.