In Practice: Success story 8 O'Clock Club
Jo Stephenson
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
What it is: A breakfast club in Chingford, Essex
Goal: To ensure children get a good start to the day
Funding: Through fees and the Parent Teacher Association
Contact: 020 8529 6827
If children start school calm and happy then it brings benefits all round. That's the philosophy for breakfast clubs at Chase Lane Primary School.
The school's 8 O'Clock Club was a runner-up in ContinYou's National Breakfast Club Award for improving emotional health and wellbeing. It was originally for Year 5 and 6 pupils referred by teachers or parents but has now expanded into two clubs open to all.
Sue Tremeer, lead welfare officer, and Julie Awde run the clubs for nine- and 10-year-olds where up to 15 children enjoy a healthy breakfast followed by games and activities.
"We sit at the table and eat with the children and chat about what's on that day or how they're feeling," says Tremeer. "Some might come in angry but by getting them to sit down and play games they go to school happy and ready to learn."
The club is funded through fees although it offers some subsidised places and gets cash for extras from the Parent Teacher Association.
Staff try to make children who attend feel special by putting up displays of their work.