East Suffolk Council
Helping Alde Valley students start their day well
Students at Alde Valley Academy in Leiston are benefitting from a new breakfast club, providing food ahead of the school day to help improve their concentration and wellbeing.
The breakfast club, which is available to all students, has been funded by the Aldeburgh, Leiston and Saxmundham Community Partnership and by East Suffolk councillors Sarah Whitelock, Katie Graham and Tom Daly through their Enabling Communities Budgets.
It was identified that a number of students do not eat before coming to school and the breakfast club provides them with a filling breakfast to help them prepare for the day, improving their concentration, wellbeing and behaviour.
Research shows that breakfast clubs create a positive atmosphere, can improve attitudes towards the importance of a healthy breakfast and healthier food choices in general, and create a positive rapport between teachers and pupils. Schools with existing breakfast clubs report that children have improved attendance, attention, behaviour and levels of concentration and it has been suggested that breakfast club provision can also contribute to improved academic performance.
In a joint statement, Cllrs Whitelock, Graham and Daly said: “We are pleased to have supported the creation of the Alde Valley Breakfast Club. As well as providing students with a filling breakfast which positively impacts on their ability to learn and concentrate, the club also provides a safe, supportive space for students ahead of the school day where they can meet friends and speak with school staff if needed.”
Rob Battle, Assistant Head Teacher at Alde Valley Academy said: “This investment in our breakfast club not only fuels our students but strengthens our community, giving every child the opportunity to thrive. This funding reflects the commitment of East Suffolk Council to promote health and education within our community. We look forward to continued collaboration and success as we work to ensure no child starts the school day hungry.”
Whilst focusing on those registered for Pupil Premium, Breakfast Club is available to all students and operates from the school canteen prior to the school day, managed by school staff.
The club received funding of £4,680 from the Enabling Communities Budgets of Cllrs Whitelock, Graham and Daly, with further funding of £2,898 from the Community Partnership.