Press Release – Ashford MP Urges Schools to Apply for Free Breakfast Clubs

Half a million more children nationwide will benefit from Best Start free breakfast clubs from April, as the MP for Ashford, Hawkinge, and the Villages has called on local schools to sign up.  

The scheme – offering free breakfasts to all children of primary school age – is being rolled out across the country – including in Kent. There will be seven schools in Ashford will be eligible during the next two rollouts in 2026: Caldecott Foundation School, Ashford Oaks Community Primary School, Beaver Green Primary School, East Stour Primary School, Goat Lees Primary School, Phoenix Community Primary School, and The John Wallis Church of England Academy. Mr. Joseph has written to all seven, urging them to apply for the Labour Government’s scheme.  

Schools will also receive a guaranteed £25 a day to cover staffing and admin so every type of school can easily deliver a breakfast club. For an average school with 50% take up, the total funding package has increased by 28%. 
Sojan Joseph MP for Ashford, Hawkinge, and the Villages said: 

“Ensuring that every child has the best start in life, regardless of their family background and reducing the cost of living for working families is crucial – and something I am committed to as your Member of Parliament for Ashford, Hawkinge, and the Villages.  

This is why I am completely backing the Government’s free breakfast clubs and urging schools to apply and take up this great opportunity.” 

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: 

“Free breakfast clubs demonstrate national renewal in action – breaking down barriers so every child gets the best start in life, regardless of their background. By rolling out free breakfast clubs to half a million more children, we’re not just filling empty stomachs, we’re supercharging the nation’s morning routines.  

This is about building a country where background doesn’t mean destiny, where we invest in our children’s futures, and where we deliver the real change working families desperately need.” 

In his letter to the schools, Sojan Joseph MP wrote:

“I encourage you to submit a bid. If you do, I will fully support your application and will write to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson on your behalf. 

Supporting working families in Ashford and the surrounding areas is incredibly important to me, and I am pleased the Government is delivering on their commitment to drive down child poverty, breaking the barriers to opportunity, and tackling the cost-of-living crisis by expanding free school meals to 500,000 more children, delivering 30 hours of funded childcare, cutting uniform costs and introducing new Best Start Family Hubs. These measures could save some families up to £8,000 per year.” 

• Letter to schools below

• Updated free breakfast club guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-breakfast-clubs-guidance-for-schools-and-trusts 

   

  Dear {Headteacher}

  I am writing as your Member of Parliament to update you on the Government’s expansion of free breakfast clubs.
  Since the Government began rolling out the programme in April 2025, it has provided five million free breakfasts to 180,000 pupils, including nearly 80,000 children from disadvantaged backgrounds. As a result, families are saving up to £450 a year, and parents have gained an additional 95 hours of time.

  However, this success is down to the hard work of school leaders, teachers and support staff who have helped deliver the scheme.
  Breakfast clubs are improving attendance, attainment and behaviour, while giving parents vital support with a free daily breakfast and 30 minutes of childcare. I want families in our area to benefit in the same way.

  I am pleased to say that your primary school is eligible to apply to join the 500 new schools entering the scheme from April 2026. An average-sized school with 50% take-up is expected to receive £29,500. This is a significant increase on the £1,600 previously available.

  This next phase will prioritise strong applications from schools serving disadvantaged communities, ensuring the support free breakfast clubs provide reaches those who need it most.

  I encourage you to submit a bid. If you do, I will fully support your application and will write to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson on your behalf.

  Supporting working families in Ashford and the surrounding areas is incredibly important to me, and I am pleased the Government is delivering on their commitment to drive down child poverty, breaking the barriers to opportunity, and tackling the cost-of-living crisis by expanding free school meals to 500,000 more children, delivering 30 hours of funded childcare, cutting uniform costs and introducing new Best Start Family Hubs. These measures could save some families up to £8,000 per year.
  If you’d like to discuss your application, wider partnership opportunities, or any other ways I can assist, please get in touch. I would truly welcome the chance to meet with you.

   

   

  Yours Sincerely,
  Sojan Joesph
  MP for Ashford, Hawkinge and the Villages

  ENDS