A new Breakfast Club has opened at a Tameside primary school, to make sure pupils can access a free, nutritious meal to start the day.
It was set up at Holy Trinity Primary School in Ashton by Jigsaw’s Neighbourhood Engagement team in partnership with the Greggs Foundation and will see a total of 50 children receive a free breakfast each school day.
More than £4,000 in funding was provided by Jigsaw to help cover the cost of the breakfast every morning during term time over a two year period. Children will be able to enjoy cereal, toast, fruit, milk, yoghurt and fruit juice and can play board games together until the start of their first lesson.
A total of 39 children attended the first session, which was officially opened by the Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Mike Glover. While there is currently a waiting list to join, any pupil that attends the school from Reception to Year 6 can access the club.
This is the fourth Breakfast Club Jigsaw has opened after successful clubs at Thomas Ashton School in Hyde, Lyndhurst Primary School in Oldham, and Millbrook Primary School in Stalybridge.
Sue Cox, Head of Neighbourhoods at Jigsaw Homes, said: “The benefits of having a healthy breakfast not only impacts nutrition but also concentration, punctuality and behaviour and we’re thrilled that Holy Trinity have taken up this opportunity on behalf of their students.”
Head Teacher Simon Brereton, said: “Giving children a healthy start to each day is vital in ensuring they are happy and ready to learn. In partnership with Jigsaw Homes and the Greggs Foundation, we are delighted to now be able to deliver a free, nutritious breakfast to over 40 children each day. This not only helps the children but also supports our families, in these challenging financial times.”
Tracy Lynch, Greggs Foundation Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Jigsaw Homes to open a breakfast club at Holy Trinity CE Primary school. Jigsaw Homes are now supporting four primary schools in total through our breakfast club programme, helping 265 children receive a free and nutritious breakfast every single day.
“Breakfast clubs offer so much more than food to the children who attend. They are a chance to play, socialise and prepare for the school day and we are so thankful to our funding partners who share our commitment to opening more breakfast clubs. The support from Jigsaw Homes means we are well on our way to reach our target of opening 1000 breakfast clubs by 2025.”
