Lower income and single parents ‘more wary of stigma’ around free breakfast clubs
As hundreds of universal free breakfast clubs prepare to open, Labor has vowed to de-stigmatise claims for free state aid for children.
The new parent survey found that lower incomes and single parents are more likely to feel stigmatized and guilty for using government-funded supports such as breakfast clubs.
Single parents were among the hardest hit; Nearly four in ten (38%) said they felt guilty about accepting targeted free help, compared with 28% of partnered parents.
Low-income parents also appeared to be more wary of the stigma of free breakfast clubs; Almost half of parents earning under £15,000 feel this way.
Meanwhile, only 19 per cent of high earners with incomes of £50,000 or more agreed.
The survey also found that more than half of parents say they would be more likely to benefit from government support if it was free for all, rather than just being labeled as “those in need”. It comes as the government prepares to introduce a further 500 universal free breakfast clubs in April.
“I was raised by a single parent, so I know first-hand the challenges faced by parents trying to make ends meet, and how important it is to combat outdated stigmas with practical support that people can feel every day,” education minister Bridget Phillipson said.
The government has begun trialling free breakfast clubs, with an initial plan for around 180,000 students in 2025, and was launched in 750 primaries after the Easter holidays.
More than 1,250 free breakfast clubs will be operating across the country from April, and a further 1,500 new clubs will open in September.
It is estimated that the clubs will save parents £450 a year and up to 95 hours of childcare.
Ms Phillipson added: “Free breakfast clubs are revolutionizing morning routines across the country and becoming an essential part of today’s life for working families.
“From helping a child settle into school to helping parents get to work, free breakfast clubs give every child the best start in life – delivering on our national regeneration plan.
Almost half (45 per cent) of parents said they would prioritize a school with a free breakfast club when choosing where to send their child.
Maria Carnevale, a single mother of three, talked about the impact of the free breakfast club on her children.
“My kids absolutely love breakfast club; it gives them such a fun, positive start to the day and gives them the chance to chat, play and interact with friends before school starts,” Eastwood mum Rotherham said.
“It’s become something they really look forward to every morning, and it puts them in a great mood for the day ahead.
“It’s made a huge difference to me too – it helps our mornings run smoothly, eliminates fuss and stress and means I can get to work on time or spend those precious moments with my newborn that I would otherwise miss.”
