29/1/2010

A Cardiff primary school is celebrating becoming the 1,000th school in Wales to offer free breakfasts.

Baden Powell Primary School in Tremorfa began offering free breakfasts earlier this month as part of the Welsh Assembly Government Primary School Free Breakfast initiative.

The breakfast scheme started on January 4, 2010 and the number of pupils beginning their day with a healthy meal has steadily increased since then so that now over 23 per cent of the Baden Powell children have breakfast at school.

There are now 59 primary schools across Cardiff operating the free breakfast scheme with an average take up of 20 to 25 per cent. Children are served a healthy breakfast of cereal, toast and a piece of fruit or fruit juice.

Cardiff Council’s Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “It’s widely known that breakfast is the best way to start the day. Evidence shows that children who eat a healthy breakfast have better health,
concentration and behaviour in schools.

“The breakfast scheme is thriving in Cardiff and there are more schools planning to start their own clubs later this term. It’s wonderful to see a Cardiff primary becoming the 1,000th school to take part in the scheme. I’m sure everyone at Baden Powell will see the benefits of offering the children there a flying start to the day.�

Baden Powell headteacher, Jason Clark, said: “The school has a long tradition of excellent teaching and high standards and always sets very high targets and expectations for its staff and pupils.

"We believe the free breakfast scheme will enhance the well being of our pupils and subsequently raise levels of attendance, punctuality and pupil achievement. We are delighted that we can increase support for our pupils and parents and are proud to be the 1,000th breakfast scheme in Wales.�