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Free school breakfasts called for by teachers

Doctors and teachers are calling for free school breakfasts for the poorest children and in the current financial climate this can only be a good thing!

The Royal College of GPs, the National Association of Head Teachers and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health called for the changes after a survey by The Guardian revealed that half of all teachers have fed a hungry child themselves.

The groups say it would help boost academic achievement and combat health problems associated with poverty.

The breakfasts would only be available to children who are eligible for free school meals. But should they be available to all? As many working mums would benefit from dropping the kids off earlier knowing they’ll have a proper breakfast.

Our resident psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer has her own views which support this. Amanda says: “I think they're a great idea. They help with nutrition and provide an opportunity for children to learn about balanced diets whilst developing social skills. It would also give parents support too as working parents often find mornings very stressful.”

In Wales, there are already plans for local councils to provide a breakfast for all primary school children who want one. But could making schools responsible for another meal just add pressures to the education system?

Would you like to see these ideas implemented? Let us know by leaving a comment below.