490 breakfast clubs receive funding boost

HUNDREDS of new breakfast clubs are supporting thousands of children thanks to Scottish Government funding. The clubs combine access to a nutritious breakfast with before-school childcare and activities. Managed by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Bright Start Breakfasts Fund has awarded £2,838,461.90 to clubs for primary-age children across the country. About 142 new services have been introduced and a further 348 clubs have expanded their services offering additional hours of childcare, activities as well as places available for more children. Funding was prioritised for areas with low existing provision, high levels of poverty, and rural communities, including Dumfries and Galloway. Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, said: “Breakfast clubs are a simple but powerful way to support children’s wellbeing and learning. By funding clubs across Scotland, we’re helping to reduce the impact of poverty and ensure more children start the day nourished, supported, and ready to learn.”