A recent report indicated that almost half a million children in the UK aged eight to 16 skip breakfast, mostly among the lowest socio-economic groups. Unsettled behaviour and a noticeable dip in energy around mid to late morning are two very visible signs of children who have not had the nutritional start to the day they need. The knock-on effect on concentration and cognitive capacity is something about which many teachers are very aware. Several studies have shown that children who do not have breakfast display less accuracy, particularly on problem solving tasks.
That's why more and more schools are introducing a breakfast service. These are often developed as part of the extended school, but also link into a wider healthy schools programme. They provide a nutritious breakfast, often connected to wider activities before lessons start. For working parents such a scheme can be particularly valuable. It provides a popular and safe environment for their children and enables them to get to work on time. From this month school standards for food will also include breakfast.
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