Today marks the rollout of free breakfast clubs in a number of our local primary schools – Whitegate End, Richmond Academy, Westwood Academy and Northmoor Academy.
It was wonderful to see how the school have organised the breakfast rounds with pupils taking responsibility for topping up cereals and fruit juice. It was great too to hear the chatter of children talking, joking and getting ready for be working day to follow. Next door was also the morning study class which was full of children learning even before the formal school day began.
These breakfast clubs mean that every child in those schools will now start their day with a healthy breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare. It’s a lifeline for working families and puts up to £450 a year back into parents’ pockets – real, practical help at a time when people need it most.
I’ve seen first-hand how valuable this is. I recently visited Northmoor Academy and spoke to students and staff about the difference it’s already making. Currently the breakfast club feeds 150 children everyday. When kids have food in their bellies and a calm start to the day, they’re ready to learn, thrive and reach their full potential.
This is politics as it should be – backing our kids, supporting our families, and tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality. Oldham West, Chadderton & Royton has one of the highest child poverty rates in Greater Manchester – we cannot and will not ignore that.
This is just one part of Labour’s plan to remove barriers and restore opportunity – cutting uniform costs, expanding childcare, and giving every child the fair start they deserve.
It’s about giving our kids in Oldham the same chances as anywhere else in the country.
Thank you to the headteacher, all the staff & the fantastic students for the welcoming visit & to Oldham Council Deputy Leader Abdul Jabbar & Councillor Abdul Malik for attending!
It was a pleasure coming back to the school, after opening it in 2016, and great to see the difference it is making.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 