Hackney’s 10 Schools Launch Free Breakfasts 2026

Key Points

• Hackney Council announces that 10 more schools in the borough are joining the government’s Best Start Free Breakfast Clubs programme from April 2026, benefiting hundreds of children with free breakfasts.
• Four of the 10 schools listed appear to have already been serving free breakfasts; EastLondonLines has reached out to the council for clarification on this matter.
• The national programme, launched last April (2025), has already served more than seven million breakfasts across participating schools.
• A further 300,000 children nationwide are set to benefit from the scheme’s ongoing expansion.
• The initiative aims to ease cost-of-living pressures by supporting working parents and ensuring children start their day with a proper meal.
• Early evidence from participating schools shows improved attendance, attainment, and behaviour among pupils.
• Parents using the clubs save approximately £450 annually and gain an extra 95 hours of work time per year.
• The scheme is part of wider Department for Education (DfE) efforts, including partnerships with supermarkets and food charities to provide discounted and healthier food options for schools until later in 2026.
• Maria Carnevale, a single mother of three, described the breakfast club as “a fun, positive start” to her children’s day and noted it helps her get to work on time.
• Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated: “Free breakfast clubs are giving every child the best start in life.” She added that, raised by a single parent herself, she “knows first-hand the struggles facing parents trying to make ends meet” as well as the “outdated stigmas.”
• Diane Newton, head teacher at Field Road Academy in the West Midlands (where the scheme is already operating), said the programme would “enormously improve attendance and set our pupils up for a day of learning.” She further noted: “The fact this club is free and open to everyone will help break down any stigma attached to accessing free meals, ending the perception support should only be for those most in need.”

Hackney, London (East London Times) February 11, 2026 – Hackney Council has announced that 10 additional schools in the borough will join the government’s Best Start Free Breakfast Clubs programme starting in April, providing free breakfasts to hundreds of children and supporting families amid ongoing economic challenges.

This expansion means hundreds of children in Hackney will receive free breakfast from April when several schools in the borough join the national programme, as stated directly by Hackney Council. The initiative forms a key part of efforts to address cost-of-living pressures by aiding working parents and helping children begin their school day properly nourished.

Which Schools Are Joining the Programme?

Hackney Council says that 10 schools will join the government’s Best Start Free Breakfast Clubs programme. However, EastLondonLines reporting highlights that four of those on the list appear to have already been serving free breakfasts, prompting the outlet to reach out to the council to seek clarification. No further details on the specific names of the 10 schools were provided in the initial announcement, but the move is expected to directly benefit hundreds of children in the borough.

The programme, which started last April in 2025, has already served more than seven million breakfasts nationwide, according to official government figures. A further 300,000 children are set to benefit from the scheme’s expansion, underscoring its growing reach across the UK.

What Are the Aims of the Free Breakfast Clubs?

The initiative aims to ease cost-of-living pressures by supporting working parents and helping children start their day properly. Early evidence from participating schools indicates improved attendance, attainment, and behaviour, while parents have saved £450 annually and been able to put in an extra 95 hours of work.

As reported in coverage of the national rollout, the scheme forms part of wider efforts by the Department for Education (DfE) to secure partnerships with supermarkets and food charities. These partnerships provide discounted and healthier food options for schools until later this year (2026).

How Have Parents Benefited from the Scheme?

Maria Carnevale, a single mother of three, described breakfast club as “a fun, positive start” to her children’s day. She added: “It’s made a huge difference too, meaning I can get to work on time.” Her testimony illustrates the practical support the programme offers to families balancing work and childcare.

This parental feedback aligns with broader data showing families saving £450 per year, equivalent to significant relief amid rising living costs. The extra 95 hours of work enabled per parent per year further demonstrates the scheme’s role in bolstering household incomes and stability.

What Does the Education Secretary Say About the Programme?

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Free breakfast clubs are giving every child the best start in life.” She added that she was raised by a single parent, so she “knows first-hand the struggles facing parents trying to make ends meet” as well as the “outdated stigmas.”

Phillipson’s comments emphasise the programme’s personal relevance to her, positioning it as a vital tool against both economic hardship and social barriers. Her endorsement comes as the scheme expands, reinforcing government commitment to early-years nutrition.

What Evidence Supports the Programme’s Impact?

Early evidence from participating schools indicates improved attendance, attainment, and behaviour. Diane Newton, head teacher at Field Road Academy in the West Midlands, where the scheme is already operating, said the programme would “enormously improve attendance and set our pupils up for a day of learning.”

She continued: “The fact this club is free and open to everyone will help break down any stigma attached to accessing free meals, ending the perception support should only be for those most in need.” Newton’s insights from an operational site provide concrete proof of the scheme’s benefits beyond Hackney.

Why Is Hackney Council Expanding the Scheme Now?

Hackney Council’s decision aligns with the national programme’s momentum, which began last April and has already delivered over seven million breakfasts. By joining from April 2026, the borough’s 10 schools will tap into this proven model, despite the noted discrepancy with four already-offering sites.

The council’s announcement reflects broader DfE strategies, including supplier partnerships for sustainable food provision. This timing positions Hackney to support local families as cost-of-living pressures persist into 2026.

How Does the Programme Fit into National Efforts?

The Best Start Free Breakfast Clubs programme is a flagship DfE policy, with expansions set to reach 300,000 more children. Partnerships with supermarkets and food charities ensure healthier, affordable meals, extending support until later this year.

Government data confirms over seven million breakfasts served since launch, with metrics like attendance gains and parental work hours underscoring efficacy. Hackney’s inclusion amplifies this national push.

What Challenges Have Been Raised?

While overwhelmingly positive, EastLondonLines has flagged that four of Hackney’s 10 listed schools appear to have already provided free breakfasts. The outlet has reached out to the council to seek clarification, ensuring transparency in the rollout.

No response details were available at the time of reporting, but this query highlights journalistic diligence in verifying programme claims.

Who Stands to Benefit Most from Hackney’s Expansion?

Hundreds of children in Hackney will directly receive free breakfasts from April, easing morning routines for parents like Maria Carnevale. Working families gain time and savings, while pupils see academic and behavioural uplifts, per early evidence.

Head teachers like Diane Newton affirm the universal access model removes stigmas, benefiting all socioeconomic groups. Education Secretary Phillipson’s personal advocacy further validates its reach.

What’s Next for the National Programme?

The scheme continues expanding, with DfE partnerships securing food supplies through 2026. Hackney’s 10 schools join this wave, potentially serving thousands more meals locally.

Ongoing monitoring of impacts like attendance and attainment will guide refinements. As Phillipson notes, it equips every child for success, sustaining momentum against family hardships.