More than breakfast: How Burton Green Primary School starts the day in the right way
A visit to Burton Green Primary School’s breakfast club showed exactly what 30 minutes can do. Before lessons even begin, the school is already full of laughter, conversation and children enjoying time together. The atmosphere is calm, welcoming and happy, a lovely way to set the tone for the rest of the day.
As children of all ages arrive, they head straight for tables laid out with games and puzzles and water jugs. I joined a game of Connect 4 and was promptly beaten! Around the room, children chatted, shared, laughed and played together before helping themselves to breakfast. There were crumpets, fruit, yoghurt and plenty of water available, with everyone taking their time to eat and socialise.
Older pupils naturally played alongside younger children, helping them with games, encouraging them to take turns and making sure everyone felt included. It was impossible not to notice the concentration, and the smiles.
The school’s cook greeted every child warmly, knowing their names and what they might fancy. It was obvious that everyone not only knew each other, but were friends. There was a genuine sense of belonging across the club.
The impact reaches far beyond breakfast. The school has seen attendance improve significantly, with more children arriving on time and ready for the day ahead. Staff explained that some pupils previously came to school without eating breakfast or having only chocolate milk, or the like, during rushed and chaotic mornings. Now, children are starting their school day with their tummy full of healthy food, seeing them settled and ready to learn.
Just as importantly, the breakfast club is helping children develop life skills. Through games and shared activities, they are building confidence, independence, communication and problem-solving skills without even realising it.
What the staff say
A Year 6 teacher has seen a remarkable change.
“Since the breakfast club started, attendance has improved dramatically. Some children used to miss that crucial form time, but now they’re arriving early because they want to come to breakfast club. Our SATS scores have improved since the breakfast club started.”
Another teacher highlighted the difference it makes in the classroom.
“The children are fuelling up for the day and have a much steadier start to the morning. They have time to chat with friends, and by the time they come into class they’re settled, focused and ready to learn. We absolutely love the breakfast club.”
The school cook spoke about what makes each morning special.
“It’s wonderful seeing children of all ages coming together to start the day. I love the time together. There’s always fruit and yoghurt available, alongside a changing breakfast menu, so everyone has healthy choices.”
For the Early Years Lead, the benefits go well beyond nutrition.
“Breakfast club gives our youngest children a gentle, positive start to the day. Our buddy system means older pupils help the younger ones, making them feel supported and cared for from the moment they arrive. And they are so excited to mix with the Year 6 buddies.
“The older children model kindness every day. They’re teaching turn-taking, sharing and problem-solving through the games they play together. Many of our children haven’t had those opportunities at home, so they’re learning valuable social skills while simply enjoying themselves.
“There is significant food poverty within our community, and families know their children will receive two nutritious meals at school each day. Parents really value that reassurance, and the children come into class with full stomachs, ready to learn.”
What the children say
The children themselves explained the difference the breakfast club makes.
“It feels really good. At home it can take ages to get ready, but here the food is delicious. We get to play games and have breakfast with our friends. There are always lots of choices, and there’s always fruit.”
Another pupil summed up the social side perfectly.
“It’s nice having breakfast with friends instead of sitting at home looking at a screen.”
And perhaps the simplest explanation of all came from one child who said:
“You feel good when you’ve been to breakfast club. You have energy, you’ve seen your friends, and you’re ready to learn.”
“I wish we’d done this years ago.”
Headteacher Ash could not have been clearer about the impact.
“I wish we’d done this years ago. Attendance is up, children are happier, behaviour has improved and it’s the best possible start to the day for everyone.”
“Parents tell me, the breakfast club has become an invaluable part of the morning routine. They are really happy to drop their children off at school knowing they are safe, well cared for and starting the day with a healthy meal in a positive environment. Their kids now want to come to school!”
Thirty minutes each morning is transforming attendance, wellbeing, learning and confidence.
Sometimes, the best investment isn’t simply in food. It’s in giving children the very best start to their day.
Burton Green Primary School is funded by the York Hungry Minds Fund