Colchester’s First Free Breakfast Clubs Open — Saving Families Up to £8,000 a Year!
- Pam Cox MP
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
Mornings just got a whole lot easier for families in Colchester! Two local schools — King's Ford Infant School & Nursery and St. Teresa's Catholic Primary School — have officially launched free breakfast clubs, giving children a healthy start to the day and parents a little extra breathing room.
This exciting step is part of the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, delivering on a key manifesto promise to support working families and make everyday life more affordable.
Big Savings for Local Families
With the new breakfast clubs offering 30 minutes of free childcare every morning, parents can save up to £450 a year — and that’s just the beginning. When combined with Labour’s expanded free early years childcare and the new school uniform cap, families could save up to £8,000 a year.
That’s real money back in parents’ pockets — helping with the cost of living and making it easier to balance work and family life.
A Warm Welcome at St. Teresa’s
Pam Cox MP visited St. Teresa’s Primary School on the first day of term to see the new breakfast club in action. She was joined by Headteacher Becky Maguire and senior Government Minister Lucy Rigby MP.
“It was an honour to meet staff, parents and pupils at St. Teresa’s. These clubs are about more than just breakfast — they’re about giving children the best start in life, supporting working families, and breaking down barriers to opportunity.”
A National Rollout with Local Impact
These clubs are just the beginning. The Labour Government is rolling out free breakfast clubs to all state primary schools, ensuring that no matter your postcode or pay packet, every child gets the same chance to thrive.
The clubs also support local food sourcing, with schools encouraged to buy British and provide nutritious meals that fuel learning and wellbeing.
What Parents Are Saying
Victoria, a primary school teacher and parent of two, shared her experience:
“Free breakfast clubs provide vital support. I know my kids are fed, settled, and ready to learn — and I can get to work on time.This rollout will make a world of difference for working families like mine.”
Backed by Results
Government data shows that breakfast clubs don’t just help parents — they help kids too. Children who attend are more likely to:
Arrive at school ready to learn
Socialise with friends before lessons
Show improved behaviour and wellbeing
Delivering Real Change
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the rollout a “game-changing moment” for families, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the clubs are a key part of Labour’s mission to give every child the best start in life.
Pam Cox MP added:
“I was elected to deliver change — and this is what it looks like. Free breakfast clubs are already making a difference in Colchester, and I’ll keep working to make sure every family gets the support they need.”
