View Full Version : Free breakfasts in Blackpool primary schools 'success'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-20402251
Plans to give all children in Blackpool a free school breakfast to stop them turning up for lessons hungry have been approved by the town's council.
From January, Blackpool's 12,000 primary school pupils are to receive free milk, fruit juice, cereal or toast as part of a three-month trial.
Council leader Simon Blackburn said "under-nourishment is a real problem" in the town.
The scheme will be rolled out to secondary schools if successful.
The potential annual cost would be in the region of £2.1m, according to a council report.
The aim of the scheme is to improve behaviour, attendance and standards in schools.
Mr Blackburn added: "Blackpool still has a big problem with attendance, attainment and behaviour in the classroom.
"Daily we see and hear of children attending school who quite clearly haven't had breakfast, and are not therefore able to learn.
"A recent survey of schoolchildren suggests that some of our older pupils are more likely to have used alcohol or tobacco in the last week than they are to have eaten breakfast or had five portions of fruit and veg a day.
"All of the evidence points towards the provision of school breakfasts improving attendance, attainment and behaviour - in some cases quite dramatically."
Whatever happened to parenting skills?
Well, apart from doing the school run in the 4x4 in pyjamas and curlers ..... :rolleyes:
Shaun
20-11-2012, 02:59 AM
is there any news you don't complain about?
is there any news you don't complain about?
Are you stalking me?
:eek:
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 09:12 AM
Omah, thanks for raising this important issue.
Where the heck do they get 2.1 million from!!
I'm sorry I think your picture of blackpool parents is way off...
Essex parents maybe haha.
:)
..I think this is a great thing..we do a similar thing in our school, except it isn’t always toast/cereal..but a healthy snack instead...maybe we should have publicised it...LOL...
..there was talk of every child being offered free school meals, but I don’t think it’s being pursued atm...
..the children who it will benefit most are those from low income/single parent families..and the majority of them try their very hardest to provide and have very good parenting skills...yes, there are some that prioritise wrongly but their children shouldn’t miss out on their learning because of that..every child in this country is entitled to an education...and I also certainly wouldn’t discriminate against children of any 4X4 pyjama curler brigade..although, personally, I haven’t seen any of them...a couple of 4x4s that’s all...
..I’m possibly one of the oldest people on this forum...and I know of children when I was at primary/middle school who would have benefitted from this...parenting skills are just as good, if not better than they ever were..there have always been a few who didn’t put their children first and there always will be...nothing has happened to parenting skills...it’s one of the most difficult and challenging ‘jobs’ there is and most people are doing their best and improving their skills constantly...all we can do is concentrate on the ones who maybe don’t take it seriously enough and try to educate them in their priorities...judging them will achieve nothing and most certainly be of no benefit whatsoever to their children.....
Cherie
20-11-2012, 10:10 AM
..I think this is a great thing..we do a similar thing in our school, except it isn’t always toast/cereal..but a healthy snack instead...maybe we should have publicised it...LOL...
..there was talk of every child being offered free school meals, but I don’t think it’s being pursued atm...
..the children who it will benefit most are those from low income/single parent families..and the majority of them try their very hardest to provide and have very good parenting skills...yes, there are some that prioritise wrongly but their children shouldn’t miss out on their learning because of that..every child in this country is entitled to an education...and I also certainly wouldn’t discriminate against children of any 4X4 pyjama curler brigade..although, personally, I haven’t seen any of them...a couple of 4x4s that’s all...
..I’m possibly one of the oldest people on this forum...and I know of children when I was at primary/middle school who would have benefitted from this...parenting skills are just as good, if not better than they ever were..there have always been a few who didn’t put their children first and there always will be...nothing has happened to parenting skills...it’s one of the most difficult and challenging ‘jobs’ there is and most people are doing their best and improving their skills constantly...all we can do is concentrate on the ones who maybe don’t take it seriously enough and try to educate them in their priorities...judging them will achieve nothing and most certainly be of no benefit whatsoever to their children.....
I wholeheartedly agree with this comment, poor parenting skills are nothing new, the only thing that has changed is the publicity it receives.
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 10:57 AM
I am not surprised this is being trialled in blackpool. The C4 series '999 whats your emergency' was a real eye opener!
Most think of the place as a happy seaside town, it's not...
It is really good to see that Blackpool council are being pro-active and all children are able to access this scheme.
This way no group gets stigmatised.
If parenting skills are so good, why do children from a suposedly affluent society need free breakfasts?
How long does it take to make a bowl of cornflakes?
I was born into a very poor family, yet my mother always provided my sister and myself with cereal and a hot/cold drink for breakfast before school with a small sandwich for elevenses (with free milk) to take us up to the proper meal at school-lunchtime ..... we always had a light meal at "tea-time" with biscuits and a bed-time drink for supper, too, but we never gew up fat ..... just heathy and well-educated ..... :pipe:
If poorly-performing parents aren't idle then they must be ignorant - no hope for their children there, then ..... :rolleyes:
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 12:32 PM
If parenting skills are so good, why do children from a suposedly affluent society need free breakfasts?
How long does it take to make a bowl of cornflakes?
I was born into a very poor family, yet my mother always provided my sister and myself with cereal and a hot/cold drink for breakfast before school with a small sandwich for elevenses (with free milk) to take us up to the proper meal at school-lunchtime ..... we always had a light meal at "tea-time" with biscuits and a bed-time drink for supper, too, but we never gew up fat ..... just heathy and well-educated ..... :pipe:
If poorly-performing parents aren't idle then they must be ignorant - no hope for their children there, then ..... :rolleyes:
Is Blackpool classed as an affluent area of the UK?
We don't know why these children are not eating in the morning, there could be many factors..
Some could come from local authority care, be young carers, their parents may have mental health issues or addictions, they may not have time as parents rush off to work?
It is really sad but not all parents nurture their children as your mother did.
What can we do about it?
feed them, and hope it instills in them the benefit to do it for their own children.
Is Blackpool classed as an affluent area of the UK?
We don't know why these children are not eating in the morning, there could be many factors..
Some could come from local authority care, be young carers, their parents may have mental health issues or addictions, they may not have time as parents rush off to work?
It is really sad but not all parents nurture their children as your mother did.
What can we do about it?
feed them, and hope it instills in them the benefit to do it for their own children.
Blackpool's a "deprived" urban borough in an "affluent" rural setting - there's money passing through but not stopping .....
Once the schools feed the kids then NO parents will bother - why should their kids be left out of the freebie? A bad situation gets worse ..... :shrug:
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 01:49 PM
Blackpool's a "deprived" urban borough in an "affluent" rural setting - there's money passing through but not stopping .....
Once the schools feed the kids then NO parents will bother - why should their kids be left out of the freebie? A bad situation gets worse ..... :shrug:
Then you have to ask why Lancashire County Council is allowing Blackpool to slide into near dereliction as they did with morcambe?
That in my childhood was a lovely little seaside town.
I disagree totally that those parents who previously provided their children with breakfast will suddenly stop because a slice of toast is on offer at school...
Then you have to ask why Lancashire County Council is allowing Blackpool to slide into near dereliction as they did with morcambe?.
I don't think LCC have a say in the matter now that Blackpool is a unitary authority.
Scarlett.
20-11-2012, 04:17 PM
Blackpool is fine as a town, it's the twats that come here that ruin things.
I disagree totally that those parents who previously provided their children with breakfast will suddenly stop because a slice of toast is on offer at school...
Then the kids will get fat on TWO breakfasts ..... :laugh2:
Marcus.
20-11-2012, 04:32 PM
well that going to help them
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 04:37 PM
Well then Blackpool as an independant town then... They seem to have put a lot of money into regenerating the seafront.
Lets hope they can plough some profits made from tourism this year back into the run down residential areas for the people who live and work there.
Do you live in Blackpool chewy?
Nedusa
20-11-2012, 04:39 PM
What a load of absolute nonsense....what's next buying them all new clothes and taking them all to Disneyland...!!!!
Nedusa
20-11-2012, 04:47 PM
What a load of absolute nonsense....what's next buying them all new clothes and taking them all to Disneyland...!!!!
Its bad enough most households have to pay on average over a £1,400 p.a in Council Tax without this money being used to fund ridiculous schemes like this. And if there is money available to pay for hair brained schemes like this then that particular Council should reduce their Council Tax income for the following year. Either way this is left wing, liberal, Yoghurt munching nonsense....!!!!
Scarlett.
20-11-2012, 05:07 PM
Well then Blackpool as an independant town then... They seem to have put a lot of money into regenerating the seafront.
Lets hope they can plough some profits made from tourism this year back into the run down residential areas for the people who live and work there.
Do you live in Blackpool chewy?
Yup, its a lot better of a town during the off season :p
Me. I Am Salman
20-11-2012, 05:58 PM
the primary school and secondary school I went to have been doing breakfast clubs for about 10 years now :suspect:
edit: it's probably because I live in one the most deprived boroughs in the UK pmsl
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 06:08 PM
the primary school and secondary school I went to have been doing breakfast clubs for about 10 years now :suspect:
edit: it's probably because I live in one the most deprived boroughs in the UK pmsl
Was yours free salman? lots of schools have breakfast clubs but they charge, it's really pricey too if I remember, it was only supermarkets own bread and it was 15p a slice!!
Me. I Am Salman
20-11-2012, 06:18 PM
Was yours free salman? lots of schools have breakfast clubs but they charge, it's really pricey too if I remember, it was only supermarkets own bread and it was 15p a slice!!
At the secondary school I went to you could eat free breakfasts as long as you arrived before 8am, after that though stuff like toast cost 30p... I don't know about my primary school.
I never ever went to any of these dirt cheap breakfast clubs by the way :nono:
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 06:25 PM
At the secondary school I went to you could eat free breakfasts as long as you arrived before 8am, after that though stuff like toast cost 30p... I don't know about my primary school.
I never ever went to any of these dirt cheap breakfast clubs by the way :nono:
How come, were you embarrassed to?
Did many go to it?
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 06:30 PM
Then the kids will get fat on TWO breakfasts ..... :laugh2:
Well I guess they could if they could be bothered to get up, have one breckers, get to school and shovel another one in before 8am.....
Neither of mine would, prefer the extra time in their pits! haha!
If pupils made the effort to get to school by 8AM, why did they not, alternatively, spend 10 more minutes on breakfast at home ?
Were their parents too poor to afford a bowl of cereal or a couple of slices of bread, i.e. were they living in the 1930's ?
Well I guess they could if they could be bothered to get up, have one breckers, get to school and shovel another one in before 8am.....
Neither of mine would, prefer the extra time in their pits! haha!
The Blackpool plan doesn't mention a time ..... :conf:
Shaun
20-11-2012, 06:33 PM
What a load of absolute nonsense....what's next buying them all new clothes and taking them all to Disneyland...!!!!
yes, that's really next. well done.
jesus wept.
yes, that's really next. well done.
jesus wept.
is there any news you don't complain about?
:laugh3:
Me. I Am Salman
20-11-2012, 06:41 PM
How come, were you embarrassed to?
Did many go to it?
no both my parents work I don't need to go :joker:
Vicky.
20-11-2012, 06:45 PM
no both my parents work I don't need to go :joker:
My parents worked but my brother went to breakfast club. They werent around when I was young I dont think (breakfast clubs, not my parents :laugh: ). He went because most of his friends did though, and it worked out quite well for my parents too as they could get to work earlier :)
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 06:47 PM
If pupils made the effort to get to school by 8AM, why did they not, alternatively, spend 10 more minutes on breakfast at home ?
Were their parents too poor to afford a bowl of cereal or a couple of slices of bread, i.e. were they living in the 1930's ?
I don't know omah...for the reasons I outlined earlier maybe there is no breakfast available at home.
It is hard to comprehend that some kids just don't get the basics that most take for granted..
for whatever reason.
We could sit in judgement, we could wring our hands...or, we could help them.
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 06:51 PM
The Blackpool plan doesn't mention a time ..... :conf:
Omah...you are getting on my last nerve..... :)
8am was a guess as salman said his schools free breakfast ended at 8....OK!!! ;)
I don't know omah...for the reasons I outlined earlier maybe there is no breakfast available at home.
It is hard to comprehend that some kids just don't get the basics that most take for granted..
for whatever reason.
We could sit in judgement, we could wring our hands...or, we could help them.
It's not a select few that are going to be fed, it's ALL primary school pupils, and probably secondary school students, in Blackpool - I wouldn't be surprised if McD* (http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/more-food/breakfast.html) got the contract for the secondary schools ..... :wink:
* Mine's a Double Bacon & Egg McMuffin with a Cappuccino ..... :cool:
Livia
20-11-2012, 06:54 PM
If pupils made the effort to get to school by 8AM, why did they not, alternatively, spend 10 more minutes on breakfast at home ?
Were their parents too poor to afford a bowl of cereal or a couple of slices of bread, i.e. were they living in the 1930's ?
We often disagree... but not on this one.
Omah...you are getting on my last nerve..... :)
8am was a guess as salman said his schools free breakfast ended at 8....OK!!! ;)
That was a breakfast club, though - a different concept ..... :suspect:
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 06:56 PM
It's not a select few that are going to be fed, it's ALL primary school pupils, and probably secondary school students, in Blackpool - I wouldn't be surprised if McD (http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/more-food/breakfast.html) got the contract for the secondary schools ..... :wink:
Omg! I got a right chill then... Stranger things happen, it would make the council quote of 2.1million about right then...
haha!
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 07:05 PM
That was a breakfast club, though - a different concept ..... :suspect:
how is it a different concept?
kids at salmans school eating together a breakfast provided free, and pupils in Blackpool eating together a breakfast provided free...
Omg! I got a right chill then... Stranger things happen, it would make the council quote of 2.1million about right then...
haha!
Unless KFC can do it cheaper ..... :laugh2:
(Greggs might put in a bid yet ..... ;))
how is it a different concept?
kids at salmans school eating together a breakfast provided free, and pupils in Blackpool eating together a breakfast provided free...
It was mentioned that the former has a time limit and a payment alternative - the Blackpool plan has neither.
No mention of a provider for the former - was it the school, the parents, the local authority, the county council?
The former was a secondary school, Blackpool's plan is for primary schools
etc.
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 07:35 PM
It was mentioned that the former has a time limit and a payment alternative - the Blackpool plan has neither.
No mention of a provider for the former - was it the school, the parents, the local authority, the county council?
The former was a secondary school, Blackpool's plan is for primary schools
etc.
Of course there will be a time limit, it's a school not a costa coffee...
I'm sure that if you wanted to find out who the providers of those services were you could?
The 3 month trial is for primary, it mentions rolling the scheme out to secondary if successful.
I'm in favour, I think they should do a limited free lunch too!
beans on toast, pasta and sauce or a jacket spud.
Me. I Am Salman
20-11-2012, 07:56 PM
My parents worked but my brother went to breakfast club. They werent around when I was young I dont think (breakfast clubs, not my parents :laugh: ). He went because most of his friends did though, and it worked out quite well for my parents too as they could get to work earlier :)
oh.. it usually tended to be people who's parents were out of work that went to it in our school :)
Vicky.
20-11-2012, 07:59 PM
oh.. it usually tended to be people who's parents were out of work that went to it in our school :)
Yeah it was mostly those in his. They got it for free IIRC, where my mum had to pay a tenner a week or something for my brother to go.
Of course there will be a time limit, it's a school not a costa coffee...
I'm sure that if you wanted to find out who the providers of those services were you could?
The 3 month trial is for primary, it mentions rolling the scheme out to secondary if successful.
I'm in favour, I think they should do a limited free lunch too!
beans on toast, pasta and sauce or a jacket spud.
You're making assumptions and drawing conclusions ..... :nono:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-20403137
Three hundred jobs could go at Blackpool Council and services could be cut as it tries to save £13.5m in its budget next year, it has revealed.
Council leader Simon Blackburn described government funding cuts as "insane" as he unveiled the plans.
Workers will again be asked to take four days of unpaid leave. Talks with the unions are under way.
The council said some services would be protected, such as the illuminations and having social workers for children.
Library services will also be protected.
However, the Labour-run council said 200 jobs and 100 contract posts could be lost as a result of the budget cuts.
Previously :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-17160762
24 February 2012
Blackpool Council has agreed to slash its spending by £10.6m in the coming year and cut 75 jobs.
Councillors agreed a £144.2m budget and a council tax freeze with the bulk of the savings - £5.8m - coming from the social services budget.
Back office costs will be reduced by £2m and nearly £1m will come from a thinned tier of senior management.
Last year's budget saw 750 posts lost.
Over 1,000 jobs lost in 3 years but £2.1m found to fund kids breakfasts ..... :crazy:
Scarlett.
20-11-2012, 11:51 PM
I don't see a problem with this, if there is one thing the council should still invest in, it's schools, I think giving this a trial run is a good idea, not all parents have time to make their kids breakfast in the morning.
Kizzy
20-11-2012, 11:53 PM
You're making assumptions and drawing conclusions ..... :nono:
Am I..Oh...
assuming breakfast will not be served throughout the school day?
That you are able to research information if you wished to?
Concluding that the link you posted has mentioned extending the scheme to secondary schools?
Am I..Oh...
assuming breakfast will not be served throughout the school day?
That you are able to research information if you wished to?
Concluding that the link you posted has mentioned extending the scheme to secondary schools?
The only facts are in the link, all else is speculation ..... :shrug:
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 12:08 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-20403137
Previously :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-17160762
24 February 2012
Over 1,000 jobs lost in 3 years but £2.1m found to fund kids breakfasts ..... :crazy:
Yes, this streamlining of services is nationwide..
It is not specific to Blackpool, and if this has been trialled elsewhere ( maybe salmans area was also a pilot?) and found to be successful, then they are justified.
I'm just a parent omah, not a professional in matters of council funding.
If what has been applied previously is not working, then I applaud them for trying a new approach and not just sitting on their hands watching the situation deteriorate further.
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 12:12 AM
The only facts are in the link, all else is speculation ..... :shrug:
OK.. you are being deliberately pedantic, not sure why but anyhoo I have made my point on this now.
If this has been trialled elsewhere ( maybe salmans area was also a pilot?) and found to be successful, then they are justified.
Read the link - this IS a trial!
There is no mention of "elsewhere" ..... :nono:
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 12:37 AM
Read the link - this IS a trial!
There is no mention of "elsewhere" ..... :nono:
I am aware of that.
Salman mentioned his school also offered a free breakfast for those who required one...
Therefore this 'trial' may not be the first in the UK?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-19951590
Parents without the "time or inclination" to make breakfast for their children are blamed by teachers for more pupils going to school hungry.
A survey from Kellogg's found that four out of five teachers in England have seen examples of pupils starting school without having eaten any breakfast.
"Parental apathy" was identified as the biggest single cause - followed by a shortage of money.
Almost a third of teachers have brought in their own food to feed pupils.
According to the survey, about one in six primary teachers are spending £24.99 per month of their own money on food for their pupils.
Last month, teachers at a primary school in Bristol took over the funding of breakfasts for 130 pupils after a charity providing the meals went bust.
Breakfast club
Kellogg's is best known for its cereal brands - but a spokeswoman emphasised that this was not about promoting its own goods, but was a response to its own grassroots work in schools.
The firm's charitable trust has been funding school breakfast clubs, where pupils can get subsidised meals, since 1998.
At present it is supporting more than 500 breakfast clubs across England - but says it is receiving a rising number of requests from other schools worried that pressure on budgets will force the closure of their breakfast clubs.
More than half of teachers believed that the problem of children arriving hungry at school was getting worse.
They believed that a lack of money is a major problem for some families - but a bigger problem was the failure or inability of parents to provide a breakfast for their children.
"This means that, in many families, parents are leaving children to fend for themselves in the morning. This is because some parents simply don't have the time or inclination to prepare breakfast, let alone supervise their children or encourage them to eat it," says the report.
This problem is worse among primary pupils, says the Kellogg's report, because they find it harder than secondary pupils to "fend for themselves".
It seems that the "breakfast clubs" are funded by teachers or charity and NOT by local authorities ..... :eureka:
I am aware of that.
Salman mentioned his school also offered a free breakfast for those who required one...
Therefore this 'trial' may not be the first in the UK?
Speculation ..... :rolleyes:
All free breakfasts are NOT the same (see extract and link in my previous post)
If you have a link to a local authority "free breakfast for kiddies" scheme then let me have it ..... ;)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/sep/16/wales-free-breakfast-clubs-schools
While breakfast clubs struggle for cash in England, the Welsh government has made them a priority
Almost 75% of primary schools across Wales have breakfast clubs.
Wales has a higher rate of child poverty than any of the other countries in the UK, according to Save the Children. One of the ways the Welsh government has been tackling the problem is breakfast clubs.
It began in 2004, with the piloting of the primary school free breakfast initiative, which targeted the most disadvantaged areas of the country. The programme was then introduced across the country three years later, allowing any maintained primary school to take part.
Five years on, almost 75% of primary schools across Wales have breakfast clubs.
"Because of the devolved education services in Wales there is the opportunity for the Welsh government to prioritise things in a different way than in other parts of the UK," says Pam Boyd, director of education charity ContinYou Cymru. "The Welsh government still promotes the idea of schools being community-focused in a way that is now different to schools elsewhere, particularly in England."
Breakfast clubs have been made a priority because they are seen as a necessary part of education, helping to improve learning and attendance.
"The minister for education in Wales has stated that addressing the impact of poverty on education is one of the priorities of the government," explains Boyd. Despite proposed legislation in the Assembly to transfer funding for clubs to local authorities, there was a commitment at the last election to continue with the scheme. It continues to grow, with the budget for 2012-13 rising to £12.7m.
So central government funds the initiative in Wales ..... :idc:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jun/19/breadline-britain-demand-school-breakfasts
A few minutes spent leafing through the forms sent to charities by schools hoping to get funding to provide pupils with free breakfasts builds up a vivid picture of how teachers all over the country are struggling to help ill-fed children who come into school hungry.
Charities that fund breakfast clubs in schools report a dramatic increase in applications from teachers across the UK, for financial support to help them set up or expand existing provision of subsidised breakfast. They believe the rise is at least in part the result of the financial crisis and of the government's austerity drive, which has seen benefits payments frozen or cut.
Carmel McConnell is founder and director of the charity Magic Breakfast, which already funds pre-school clubs in 210 schools, selected because all have more than 50% of pupils receiving free school meals. It helps feed 6,000 pupils. She said there had been a sharp rise in demand since the recession; at the beginning of 2009, the charity was working in just 149 schools and had a waiting list of 20-30 schools who wanted help. Over the past year the waiting list has grown to over 100.
McConnell thinks the charity will be helping at least 250 schools by the end of the year.
Her experience is echoed by other charities working in this area. Ken McMeikan, chief executive of Greggs, the bakers, which also helps provide breakfasts for pupils in deprived areas, says: "When I joined in 2008, we did 120 breakfast clubs. We are running to stand still."
He said the company was already sponsoring 191 clubs, helping to feed 9,000 children and had a waiting list of another 100 clubs. "I can remember when that was probably nearer to 30 or 40. My impression is that the numbers are rising. Inevitably one of the things that gets cut back in family budgets when times are tough is food." Kellogg's, which runs similar services through the charity Continyou, said they had also seen an increase in the numbers of schools asking for support.
Blimey, I was joking about Greggs free breakfast earlier on ..... :amazed:
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 01:19 AM
Speculation ..... :rolleyes:
All free breakfasts are NOT the same (see extract and link in my previous post)
If you have a link to a local authority "free breakfast for kiddies" scheme then let me have it ..... ;)
It's not the only trial, the University of Cardiff conducted one too.
Toast is toast omah...
Well they are predicting costs of 2.1 mill....
How would I know who they are paying to provide this service?
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 01:26 AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/sep/16/wales-free-breakfast-clubs-schools
So central government funds the initiative in Wales ..... :idc:
Well then... Blackpool are spending 2.1 mill of central government funding on 'magic breakfasts'...
So what?
It's not the only trial, the University of Cardiff conducted one too.
Is the University of Cardiff a local authority?
:conf:
Well they are predicting costs of 2.1 mill....
How would I know who they are paying to provide this service?
That's my point re the OP - nobody knows much of anything yet ..... :laugh:
Well then... Blackpool are spending 2.1 mill of central government funding on 'magic breakfasts'...
So what?
NO ..... :nono:
Blackpool are spending £2.1 of LOCAL government funding on 'magic breakfasts' ..... :pipe:
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 01:34 AM
Is the University of Cardiff a local authority?
:conf:
Thats irrelevant, you suggested I was speculating, there were other trials.... there were, conducted by the university in schools in Cardiff.
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 01:37 AM
NO ..... :nono:
Blackpool are spending £2.1 of LOCAL government funding on 'magic breakfasts' ..... :pipe:
Great.. they can claim it back from central government then!
Everyones a winner.
Thats irrelevant, you suggested I was speculating, there were other trials.... there were, conducted by the university in schools in Cardiff.
There have been loads of "trials" and implementations (see my links) but NONE, AFAIK, funded by a local authority, as outlined in the OP.
Great.. they can claim it back from central government then!
No.
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 01:48 AM
There have been loads of "trials" and implementations (see my links) but NONE, AFAIK, funded by a local authority, as outlined in the OP.
Does it state specifically the trials are funded by the LA in the OP?
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 01:50 AM
No.
Why not?....If central government are funding schemes elsewhere it's only fair they fund sunny Blackpools free breakfast club.....
Does it state specifically the trials are funded by the LA in the OP?
Yes.
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 09:43 AM
Yes.
Thats not true omah,
had a little dig around...
Funding from the department for education funds those eligable for free school meals, or those in local authority care via the 'pupil premium'.
For instance my sons school has over 230 eligable children, their funding for 2012/13 is over £137,000.
Schools who can apply for the'magic breakfast' funding must have 50% of all pupils eligable for free school meals.
Nationwide there is 1.25 billion available to support 'pupil premium' eligable students.
If some schools want to spend their allocated funds on toast then thats up to them.... There are NO regulations, the money can be spent however the school wishes....
Thats not true omah,
had a little dig around...
Funding from the department for education funds those eligable for free school meals, or those in local authority care via the 'pupil premium'.
For instance my sons school has over 230 eligable children, their funding for 2012/13 is over £137,000.
Schools who can apply for the'magic breakfast' funding must have 50% of all pupils eligable for free school meals.
Nationwide there is 1.25 billion available to support 'pupil premium' eligable students.
If some schools want to spend their allocated funds on toast then thats up to them.... There are NO regulations, the money can be spent however the school wishes....
BUT ..... AFAIK, Blackpool are not restricting the plan to "those eligible for free school meals, or those in local authority care via the 'pupil premium'" ..... again, you are speculating based on an initial news report .....
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 01:09 PM
BUT ..... AFAIK, Blackpool are not restricting the plan to "those eligible for free school meals, or those in local authority care via the 'pupil premium'" ..... again, you are speculating based on an initial news report .....
How is my statement speculation?
I said schools get funding for those on free school meals, I did not say this is what is funding the free school breakfasts in Blackpool did I? :)
I couldn't say that because we don't know do we?...
How is my statement speculation?
I said schools get funding for those on free school meals, I did not say this is what is funding the free school breakfasts in Blackpool did I? :)
I couldn't say that because we don't know do we?...
You have been suggesting all sorts of things, including denying that Blackpool Council is paying for the free school breakfast - I have have now lost track and interest - if I carry on in this thread I think I will lose the will to live ..... :bored:
Kizzy
21-11-2012, 01:37 PM
You have been suggesting all sorts of things, including denying that Blackpool Council is paying for the free school breakfast - I have have now lost track and interest - if I carry on in this thread I think I will lose the will to live ..... :bored:
I have made a contribution to this thread omah, thats why we are here I thought?
I may be speculating though... ;)
As I said I don't know how Blackpool council is paying for this service, the link you posted doesn't make that very clear.
As I said I don't know how Blackpool council is paying for this service, the link you posted doesn't make that very clear.
http://cllrsimonblackburn.com/
As as of January 2013, all children attending Blackpool Primary schools will be offered a free breakfast and free milk at mid-morning break.
This is a bold and ambitious move, but one which is founded entirely in fact, and one which research clearly demonstrates will be of huge benefit to children across the Borough.
At the moment, some schools run breakfast clubs, which are paid for by parents – usually those in work – as a consequence, the uptake is nowhere near as good as we would like. We now plan to make this service universally available, and hope that all schools and the majority of parents will take advantage of it.
Despite our superb schools, excellent teachers and committed support and catering staff, and the best efforts of the majority of parents – Blackpool still has a big problem with attendance, attainment and behaviour in the classroom.
Daily we see and hear of children attending school who quite clearly haven’t had breakfast, and are not therefore able to learn. Under-nourishment is a real problem here in Blackpool, as one would expect in an area beset by high levels of child poverty.
A recent survey of schoolchildren suggests that some of our older pupils are more likely to have used alcohol or tobacco in the last week than they are to have eaten breakfast or had 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.
For years, we have complained about this – but now is the time to actually do something about it.
All of the evidence points towards the provision of school breakfasts improving attendance, attainment and behaviour – in some cases quite dramatically. It will ensure children start the day in the right way, it will encourage them to continue the good habit of eating a balanced breakfast for the rest of their lives, it will provide an extra reason to be at school on time, and in 10 years time, we will see dramatically improved educational outcomes as a consequence.
Those parents in work who are currently struggling to find £10 or £15 a week to pay for Breakfast Clubs, will now be able to spend that money in other ways – further stimulating the local economy. The same goes for those low-paid parents who are currently spending £10 a week on cereals, bread and fruit for breakfast.
Whilst those on benefits usually receive free milk at break times already, I want to see working parents, and people just above the benefit cut-off point, released from the burden of the £10-£15 per term, per child, they are currently charged for milk.
Although the obvious beneficiaries of this scheme are those children whose parents are not currently feeding them properly, it will also create jobs, and pour the money that would otherwise be spent on breakfasts directly into the local economy – this is what fairness is all about – a policy which protects the worst off in society, whilst also putting money back in the pockets of those who work hard and do the right thing.
Although this is a pilot scheme in primary schools only, I hope and believe that it will soon become part of a joined-up strategy on school meals and nutrition, which we have been working on for some time, which will benefit all of the school-children in Blackpool, schools, teachers, parents, and the wider local economy.
By robustly prioritising our budget, and setting out prudent financial plans for the next 3 years, we are able to offer this scheme without placing any additional burden on the Council Tax fund or the Council Tax payer.
In addition to resources already allocated, we shall also be working with potential sponsors to deliver the scheme as efficiently as possible.
Cllr Simon Blackburn
Leader of Blackpool Council
So ..... funded from the current budget, at the expense of other services, with the assistance of potential sponsors (Greggs, it could be you ..... ;))
If you know more about the plan than Simon, please let him know ..... :pipe:
Kazanne
21-11-2012, 06:25 PM
We have a breakfast club at our school,which is great for working parents who have to get to work early,they can drop their kids off at 7.30 knowing they will start their day with a healthy breakfast.
Marcus.
21-11-2012, 06:27 PM
We have a breakfast club at our school,which is great for working parents who have to get to work early,they can drop their kids off at 7.30 knowing they will start their day with a healthy breakfast.
so did we i whet they 3 times
Redway
21-11-2012, 06:30 PM
Omah, have you nothing else to do but post constant links that nobody really cares about?
Kizzy
22-11-2012, 12:02 AM
http://cllrsimonblackburn.com/
So ..... funded from the current budget, at the expense of other services, with the assistance of potential sponsors (Greggs, it could be you ..... ;))
If you know more about the plan than Simon, please let him know ..... :pipe:
'At the expense of other services?'.....What services are you speculating may be affected omah?
Of course I don't know more about it than the councillor...
I wholeheartedly agree with his view though, it is a very proactive response to a very serious issue.
'At the expense of other services?'.....What services are you speculating may be affected omah?.
I don't speculate - Simon says "Follow the link" ..... :wink:
Kizzy
22-11-2012, 12:06 AM
Omah, have you nothing else to do but post constant links that nobody really cares about?
I do care about this actually
redway....
Kizzy
22-11-2012, 12:23 AM
I don't speculate - Simon says "Follow the link" ..... :wink:
Yes..... I have done this several times, nowhere does it state in the link any services are affected?
'Prioritizing budgets' and 'setting prudent financial plans' may not mean that implamenting this scheme is to the detriment of other services in Blackpool.
Yes..... I have done this several times, nowhere does it state in the link any services are affected?
'Prioritizing budgets' and 'setting prudent financial plans' may not mean that implamenting this scheme is to the detriment of other services in Blackpool.
http://www.blackpool.gov.uk/News/LeadersetsofbudgettoRevitaliseBlackpool.htm
Cllr Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Every year we are faced with a seemingly impossible task of setting a budget with ever decreasing funds and ever increasing demands from residents.
“My recent blogs have discussed the pressures put on all public services by residents who aren’t willing to change their behaviour and will only ever be a drain on resources.
"What has been heartening is the response from the people who want a better life for themselves and their families and this budget aims to help those people.
“We are focusing our attention on what people tell us they want - cleaner and safer streets, improved public transport, a 24/7 anti-social and noise service, more help for local businesses, supporting libraries, and building on our pride in Blackpool through supporting our heritage and culture
“We’ve invested in the infrastructure of Blackpool and will continue to do so with new housing developments, improved and new schools, a programme to resurface the town’s roads via Project 30 and new street and traffic lights.
“The aspirations of our young residents need to be raised but we can’t expect to do that when they are going to school without being fed and living in sub-standard accommodation. We need to get the foundations right for them to build a successful and fulfilling life for themselves.
“Once the free milk and breakfast pilot launches in January we will be looking to see how successful it is and how we ensure all children receive nutritional meals every day. We want to explore how we can universally support hard working families in these really difficult financial times without stigmatising children. At the same time we do know that we also need to invest in better social care for children and adults which will help the most vulnerable people in the right way at the right time.
“In prioritising the services there are obviously going to be cuts that will be hard to take and I don’t want to try and hide that from the people of Blackpool.
"We’ve looked closely at back office and management costs to protect frontline services but some will be affected. Not all of the service cuts can be achieved without changing the way we work and what we can offer.
“We had to look at reducing significantly parts of the youth service and our customer first centre. Unfortunately people will have to accept that some services will need to be delivered in a different way and some will end or be reduced and there is no hiding from the fact that it will affect our residents.
“All of the proposals are of course subject to consultation and every household will be soon be receiving a copy of Your Blackpool with the full details of how they can have their say.”
This year the council looks to make £13.6 Million savings resulting in approximately 200 redundancies with an additional 100 posts lost as contracts end.
I can lead a horse to water ..... :shrug:
Please refer any further queries to Simon ..... :idc:
Originally Posted by Redway
Omah, have you nothing else to do but post constant links that nobody really cares about?
I do care about this actually
redway....
Oh, is that what he said ..... ?
:shrug:
Kizzy
22-11-2012, 12:56 AM
http://www.blackpool.gov.uk/News/LeadersetsofbudgettoRevitaliseBlackpool.htm
I can lead a horse to water ..... :shrug:
Please refer any further queries to Simon ..... :idc:
Oh.... I didn't realise I was meant to respond to a link I hadn't seen yet.....how silly of me.
I am posting from a mobile device, searching for information is difficult.
It's much easier when you have facts rather than supposition isn't it?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-20945553
Pupils at a Blackpool primary school have given the thumbs up to a pilot scheme offering free breakfasts.
The £700,000 project is being offered to all 12,000 primary pupils in Blackpool, regardless of their family's finances.
Four hundred pupils at Devonshire Road Primary School got stuck in, on the first day of the three month trial.
Many pupils admitted they rarely have anything to eat or drink before school and those who did said it was rarely the healthy option.
"I don't often eat breakfast because I come from a large family and it can be rushed and a bit chaotic in the morning helping the little ones," said Tammy Lea Tyrell, 10, admitting she had really enjoyed it.
After eating cereal with a banana and some apple juice, Tammy said she felt ready for the day ahead.
While it has proved a hit with pupils, the scheme has come as a relief to the school's teachers.
Year 4 teacher Stephen Moalt, said children arriving at school without having breakfast has an adverse affect to their behaviour and their ability to learn.
"I have given children fruit out of my own lunchbox and it makes such a difference once they have had something to eat," said Mr Moalt.
"They get more involved and are more will willing to learn."
Andrew Brannigan, who teaches year 5 pupils, has been at Devonshire Road School for 13 years and said food had always been an issue with pupils.
He said the problem is not just about children who skip breakfast, "it is about having the right breakfast, too".
"Some children say they have had last night's KFC for breakfast or a packet of custard creams and you can tell by their behaviour and hyperactivity," he said.
"That can then have an adverse affect on all the other kids in the class, too."
Head teacher Neil Hodgkins said it was a great initiative because hungry children have caused problems.
"Some children are lethargic in the morning and it can be a job getting them going," he said.
"This guarantees all pupils have a good start to the day and will make them more alert and attentive and will also benefit punctuality and attendance.
"It also promotes healthy eating and hopefully establishing good habits for life."
The scheme was masterminded by Blackpool Council leader, Simon Blackburn.
He wants to extend the three-month project to include secondary schools in the town, which is among the most deprived in England, and provide universal free lunches.
Although the authority is having to cut £13.5m from next year's budget and 300 jobs are under threat, Mr Blackburn said feeding hungry children in Blackpool was "a priority".
He refused to lay blame on parents and said the authority should step in to make sure youngsters are properly fed in the morning and help them to focus on learning.
Mr Blackburn said: "It is not the kids' fault and for a wild variety of reasons, because families are busy or stretched financially, it is not acceptable to have hungry kids."
He added he was in discussions with companies interested in providing sponsorship to help fund the scheme.
Well, the teachers and kids are happy about it ..... ;)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-22163255
A three month, £700,000 pilot scheme to give school children in Lancashire free breakfasts has been extended.
All 12,000 primary pupils in Blackpool have been offered free milk, fruit juice, cereal and toast since January in a bid to improve behaviour, attendance and standards in schools.
Blackpool Council said it is continuing the free breakfast scheme until May.
Researchers from Northumbria University are examining the benefits of the scheme.
The authority will make a final decision on continuing the project on 20 May.
That'll be another £500k then ..... :idc:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-22810432
A pilot scheme offering free breakfasts to primary school children in Blackpool has improved their health and punctuality, say researchers.
All 12,000 pupils are offered milk, fruit juice, cereal and toast in a bid to benefit their performance in school.
Blackpool Council will decide on 17 June whether to extend its £1.3m scheme, which began in January, until the end of March 2014.
Northumbria University researchers have examined the scheme's benefits.
Dr Margaret Anne Defreyter, director of healthy living at Northumbria University, said: "Blackpool's free school breakfast scheme is one of the largest schemes operating within the UK.
"The overall findings of the evaluation of the Blackpool scheme are very positive and based on these findings I strongly recommend that the scheme continues."
Well, at least the kids are getting a good start to the day ..... :thumbs:
OTOH :
On the other hand :
Blackpool has a major problem with alcoholism, obesity, smoking and mental health.
Fylde psychotherapist Steve Pope estimates three-in-five families have a member with depression.
"We're losing the battle," he said. "We're dealing with some families where three generations haven't worked.
"It becomes interwoven in their way of life and can lead to addiction and depression."
Lancashire MIND, the mental health charity, is seeking funding to work with ten and 11-year olds in primary schools.
Team leader Samantha Wilkinson said: "They're children and they're losing their childhood. People will be shocked to hear that a 10-year old would contemplate suicide."
:sad:
Me. I Am Salman
07-06-2013, 11:45 AM
This is good news, imo all school lunches even in secondary school should be free to every pupil regardless of their home income. At the secondary school I used to go, in the last 15 mins of lunch break the canteen still had trays and trays of food and they just used to throw them away. They wouldn't give it to pupils who were non free school meals that were hungry. I mean take me for example, I never bothered making packed lunches because they are never filling and they're annoying to carry in my bag. I didn't buy any school lunches because they were stupidly overpriced. So I used to just not eat at lunch, and many others were like me. The canteen staff had so much leftovers and only rarely used to give us some if we asked - most of the time it ended up in the bin. They were so intent on following the rules and being stingy. Such a waste of food and money.
Me. I Am Salman
07-06-2013, 11:49 AM
I just realised this thread is about breakfast oops
GiRTh
07-06-2013, 11:52 AM
Good news indeed.
Its the job of the parent to prepare their kids but its also the job of the school to make sure no kids are disadvantaged at school. I'm surprised they found the money for this. Kids don't vote, parents who take advantage of schemes like this probably don't vote either.
I applaud this scheme going ahead when it has very little political gain. It seems like this has been put together entirely for the good of the kids. In this day and age that's very rare.
Kizzy
07-06-2013, 04:20 PM
Yes it seems the scheme has been a success despite some bitching about the costing :idc:
The severe social deprivation is rife here and is widespread across the UK, it's only going to get worse due to the bedroom tax implemented since april.
We have breakfast club here.. It's mainly for parents who have to drop their kids off before 9am. They get given a healthy breakfast then get to play for a bit.. It's not free though
Kizzy
07-06-2013, 04:31 PM
It's not the same thing at all then is it? haha! this is an old article lee, I'm sure we've had this convo before? de ja vu.... :laugh:
Lol... Have we?? You must have a better memory than me!
Omg.. I've got to the stage wher I'm going about the forum repeating myself and not even realising it!! :bawling:
Kizzy
07-06-2013, 04:36 PM
No sorry lee, it wasn't you just looked back :)
Phew! I'm not losing it after all
Yes it seems the scheme has been a success despite some bitching about the costing :idc:
The severe social deprivation is rife here and is widespread across the UK, it's only going to get worse due to the bedroom tax implemented since april.
Blackpool's health: Life is short near the Golden Mile
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-22772700
Blackpool's Public Health Annual Report 2012 reveals Bloomfield has the lowest life expectancy figure for men in England, 13 years less than in parts of the south east.
Behind the statistics is a complex picture of deprivation, which millions of tourists who come to the resort each year never see.
The bill last year for alcohol-related harm and violence, including police and NHS resources and lost working days, was £100m.
There is one licensed premises for every 72 residents.
The health situation is compounded by seasonal unemployment and transience.
Dr Rajpura describes Blackpool as "a net importer of ill health" with "incomers" bringing problems with them, exacerbated when they fail to find work.
This wide range of deep-rooted issues has left an extraordinary discrepancy in terms of how long people can expect to live.
While men in the poorer, central areas of the town will reach an average age of 72, their counterparts just four miles north, in the Norbreck area, can expect to live a decade longer.
Blackpool women fare a little better but will still lose three years life expectancy compared to the national average - the third worst in the UK.
The kids better enjoy life and a full belly while they can, because life is grim for adults ..... :eek:
Kizzy
07-06-2013, 05:29 PM
I can well believe it too :( the series 999 emergency on C4 was filmed there, what a place to live, it was a heartbreaking series.
My daughter is at Lancaster university she says Blackpool out of season is really grim.
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