Free breakfasts at Vale primary schools - 04/10/06

 

Children attending Barry Island and High Street primary schools in Barry are now starting their day with a free healthy breakfast.

 

The initiative, which is an excellent example of collaboration between local authorities and the Welsh Assembly Government, is being rolled out to all Vale primary school which wish to participate.

 

Barry Island was the first school in the Vale to take up the scheme but the majority of the area's schools have registered an interest. Vale Catering Services are currently rolling out a programme for schools to come on board.

 

At Barry Island, which is currently serving between 33 to 40 pupils per morning, youngsters sit in a calm, friendly, family environment and enjoy a social breakfast with friends. The pupils have a choice from cereals, toast and fruit juice, which means a good balanced, healthy start to their day.

 

The school has identified that pupils having breakfast in school are better behaved when they start their day, and seem to have portrayed better concentration in lessons.

 

The second school to start their club was High Street, again with the same positive approach.

 

Cabinet Member for Social and Care Services Cllr Gordon Kemp said: "The Council is delighted to be associated with an initiative promoting healthy lifestyles. I am sure the project will have a major impact on the health and well being of children across the Vale of Glamorgan."

 

Vale AM Jane Hutt, said: "It was excellent to see Barry Island Primary School enjoying a healthy, nutritious and free breakfast funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. Congratulations to the school for taking advantage of the free school breakfast scheme. I look forward to seeing it rolled out across the Vale."