Children in Richmond upon Thames are set to benefit from a new free breakfast club launching this spring, as part of the government's Best Start Free Breakfast Clubs programme.

From April, Nelson Primary School in Richmond borough will join the national scheme, offering pupils a free breakfast at the start of the school day.

The initiative aims to support families with the cost of living, help parents balance work and childcare, and ensure children arrive at school settled, nourished and ready to learn.

Nationally, more than 300,000 children are expected to benefit when the next phase of the programme begins in April. According to the government, schools already taking part have served over seven million breakfasts, saving families up to £450 a year and giving parents up to 95 extra hours back annually.

Evidence from participating schools also points to improvements in attendance, attainment and behaviour.

Polling suggests strong parental support for the scheme, with almost half of parents saying they prioritise primary schools that offer free breakfast clubs.

Six in ten parents also say they are more likely to use support when it is available to everyone, helping to reduce any stigma around free meals.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said free breakfast clubs are becoming "an essential part of modern-day life for working families", helping children settle into the school day while supporting parents to get to work.

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She added that universal access helps tackle outdated stigmas and ensures every child gets the best possible start.

Applications are now open for a further 1,500 schools to join the programme from September, which would expand access to around 680,000 children nationwide.

The scheme is backed by £80 million targeted at the most disadvantaged areas and forms part of wider government measures to support families, including expanded free childcare, increased access to free school meals, and help with the cost of school uniforms.

The programme is also supported by industry partners including Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Weetabix and Magic Breakfast, who will provide discounts, free deliveries and healthier food options for schools until July 2026.

Parent group Parentkind welcomed the announcement, saying breakfast clubs help parents juggle work and school drop-offs while ensuring children start the day well prepared for learning.