Commenting as Labour unveils plans to introduce breakfast clubs for every primary school in England, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“Many schools already run breakfast clubs for their pupils and often look to target that support for the pupils that need it most. Hunger is a real concern for school staff who regularly see children arriving in the morning without having eaten, and therefore not ready to learn. These concerns have only been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, which is pushing more families into poverty. We know that some children rely on school for their only certain meal of the day.

"A commitment to properly fund breakfast club provision and to expand it would be welcome. A positive start to the day and a nutritious breakfast before school for those who need it could make a real difference. If properly funded and resourced this entitlement is something school leaders would support.”