In the News: Two Basildon schools chosen for Government's Free Breakfast Club pilot
Families at two Basildon primary schools are set to benefit from the Government's new Free Breakfast Club initiative, with Laindon Park Primary School and Hilltop Infant School among the 17 schools across Essex selected to take part in the national pilot programme.
The scheme offers pupils a nutritious start to the day, alongside 30 minutes of free childcare - giving parents extra time in the mornings to manage work, appointments, or simply their daily routines.
Basildon Council Leader, Councillor Gavin Callaghan, welcomed the announcement and said:
"Children learn better when they're not hungry, and I'm delighted that two of our schools have been chosen. This scheme offers working families vital support - potentially saving parents up to 95 hours and £450 annually, just from breakfast provision alone. When combined with broader childcare reforms and the new school uniform cost cap, families could see annual savings of up to £8,000.
"At a time when many are struggling with rising living costs, this initiative is a real lifeline.
"We are grateful to the government for introducing this initiative and we look forward to working with them on rolling this out across our borough."
Headteachers at the selected schools also expressed their support.
Cristina Portoles, Headteacher at Laindon Park Primary School, said:
"We are delighted to have been selected to be an early adopter for the government's new free breakfast scheme.
"We very much hope this additional provision will benefit our families by providing much needed additional flexibility and support. Most of all, we very much hope this extra support available to our pupils will ensure they have the very best possible start to the school day."
Janine Travi, Headteacher at Hilltop Infant School, added:
"It feels very exciting to be one of the first schools chosen to be part of the breakfast club pilot. Our trust values guide us in our approaches, and being able to fulfil the HEARTS value of 'service' is very important to us here at Hilltop Infant School.
"We are able to work in partnership with our working parents, who do an incredible job in supporting us as a school, but also to support all our families with a healthy, free provision that children love coming to - it's fun, engaging and starts the day positively."
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Published 1 May 2025.