Teachers across the UK almost unanimously agree (97%) that children will have more success and better results at school – if they eat breakfast before classes begin, according to a study.
Teaching staff believe that as many as one in three (34%) of their pupils do not eat anything before coming to school for the day – and 72% notice a marked difference between students who do eat, and those who don't.
Youngsters who eat their first meal of the day before school are more engaged with the lessons, able to concentrate better, and seem positive and happier to be in the class.
However, children who skip breakfast appear more tired, more easily distracted, and likely to give up quickly on tasks set.
Nearly half of schoolchildren (46%) currently eat their morning meal at a school breakfast club – with 95%, of the 500 teachers polled, saying that providing youngsters with breakfast before classes is important.
Sadly, however, a quarter of UK schools do not provide a breakfast service – and even of those that do, 38% worry about school budgets impacting this facility for pupils.
The research was commissioned by Warburtons as part of its partnership with the charity “Magic Breakfast”, to highlight the importance of a good breakfast, and provide over a million breakfasts to children facing food insecurity.
Lindsey MacDonald, chief executive at Magic Breakfast, said: “At Magic Breakfast, it's our mission to end morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children and young people in the UK.
“However, as financial pressures continue to stretch more and more families, sadly an increasing number of children are going to school hungry.
“We're thrilled to be working with Warburtons, and to have their support in providing more young people the chance to have a nutritious breakfast at school.
“We know that those who have had a breakfast are more settled, ready to learn, and go on to achieve better results at school, helping them realise their dreams.”
Jonathan Warburton, chairman of Warburtons, added: “Not every child has access to breakfast before school, and we want to help change that.
“That’s why our partnership with Magic Breakfast is so important to us here at Warburtons – we firmly believe that all children should get the opportunity to thrive at school, no matter their circumstances.”
The study also found during a typical school day, a child will first say they are “hungry” at 9:54am.
According to the teachers polled, via OnePoll, nearly half (48%) of children in their school communities will eat while on the journey in to school.
And of those schools that offer a breakfast club, they typically serve food including toast, cereal, and juice.
More than seven in ten (71%) believe a breakfast club gives children the time to settle into the school environment before lessons begin.
And getting a nutritious meal (76%), socialising with other students (60%), and learning about the importance of a good breakfast (47%), were some of the other benefits cited.
Aside from the nutritional aspect, 70% believe a good breakfast allows children time to properly prepare for the day ahead – and a further 57% say it gives them time to wake up before lessons.
Dietitian, Priya Tew, said: “In light of the cost-of-living crisis, many children are missing out on meals and nutrition at home – so being provided with a balanced breakfast at school could make a huge impact to their health.
“Children who eat a hearty breakfast have a higher intake of key nutrients than breakfast skippers.
“Whilst all meals are important, breakfast can be a golden opportunity to encourage children to eat fibre, calcium, B vitamins, protein, iron, as well as one of their five a day with a portion fruit.
“Numerous studies have shown breakfast may benefit physical health and cognitive function, too – improving concentration levels and chances of a child’s success at school.
“Missing out a whole meal a day is going to make it hard to catch up on the nutrition their bodies need, and reach their full potential in the classroom.”
Jonathan Warburton added: “On top of the product donations and community grants we make through the Warburtons Foundation, our pledge to provide 1.1 million breakfasts to schools through Magic Breakfast means we’ll be able to reach and support more families – something our family business has been committed to since we began.”
10 CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WHO DO EAT BREAKFAST BEFORE SCHOOL:
- High concentration levels
- Engaged with the lesson
- A positive attitude
- Happier to be in the classroom
- A willingness to participate in class activities
- A good memory of things previously learnt/spoken about
- Contributing to group activities
- Better grades
- Raising their hand to answer questions
- Curiosity about what is being taught
10 CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WHO DON'T EAT BREAKFAST BEFORE SCHOOL:
- Tiredness
- Struggles to concentrate
- Easily distracted
- Not fully engaged with the lesson
- Giving up on tasks quickly
- A negative attitude
- Easily confused
- Struggles to remember things from previous lessons
- Lack of curiosity about what is being taught
- Less creative
