Agenda Item No

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning)  :  8th September 2008

Report of The Director of Learning and Development

Free School Breakfast Clubs

Purpose of the Report

1.             To update Members on School Breakfast Clubs in the Vale.

Recommendations

1.             That Members note the report.

Reasons for the Recommendations

1.             That Members are aware of the free school breakfast initiative within the Vale.

Background

2.             The Primary School Free Breakfast initiative was first piloted by the Welsh Assembly Government in September 2004.  Vale schools started participating in the scheme from September 2006.

Relevant Issues and Options

3.             The aim of the Free Breakfast initiative is to give children a flying start by:-

·               Improving health and concentration

·               Help raise achievement

·               Providing a good start to the day

·               Ensure children don't skip breakfast

·               Enhance socialisation skills.

4.             At present 18 schools in the Vale of Glamorgan operate free school breakfast, with a further 5 planning to start January 2009.  The list of schools is shown in Appendix 1.  There are on-going discussions with schools not currently partaking.

5.             The initiative is organised such that the school employs the supervisory staff, is responsible for pupil security, determines opening and closing times, as well as takes a daily register of pupils attending the breakfast club.

6.             The LEA through the Vale Catering Service sets the initiative up, performs relevant training and undertakes the monitoring role.

7.             The breakfast menu and portion size is stipulated by the Welsh Assembly Government.  The menu includes:-

·               Choice of cereals not sugar coated with milk (semi skimmed)

·               Wholemeal toast (low fat spread no preserve)

·               Crumpets

·               Fresh fruit / Yoghurt (choice not both)

·               Fruit Juice / milk or water to drink.

8.             The breakfast club guidelines indicate clubs should operate for one hour a day, with the eating of breakfast comprising between 15 and 20 minutes.  The remainder of the time should focus on educational and socialisation time.  All staff must be CRB checked and food preparation staff must have level 2 food hygiene certificate.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

9.             The initiative is currently funded by Welsh Assembly Government grant, which is payable to the School Meals Service who co-ordinates the initiative.  The grant covers set up costs of £1,000 for up to 150 pupils attending the breakfast club, up to a maximum of £2,000 for 251 pupils or more attending.  The grant also provides for management and administration costs of £1,500 per term, plus staff costs of £8.08 pence per person per hour and food costs at £0.27 per pupil.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

10.        None directly as a result of the report.

Crime and Disorder Implications

11.        The Free Breakfast Initiative has positive implications.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

12.        The Free Breakfast Initiative has positive implications.

Corporate/Service Objectives

13.        The initiative supports the objective of raising standards.

Policy Framework and Budget

14.        The report is for information.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

15.        Not relevant.

Background Papers

None.

Contact Officer

Martin Donovan

Head of Strategic Planning and Performance

01446 709161

Officers Consulted

Rita Hicks - Catering Services Manager

Responsible Officer:

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development