Barnet schools part of free breakfast club expansion

Local MPs praised the move which the government says will save parents up to £450 a year

A man in a suit talking to a group of schoolchildren — Dan Tomlinson MP opening Ashmole Primary’s breakfast club – (Credit – Ashmole Primary School)

Barnet MPs have hailed the expansion of a national scheme that provides free breakfasts for schoolchildren.

Dan Tomlinson, who represents Chipping Barnet, David Pinto-Duschinky (Hendon) and Sarah Sackman (Finchley and Golders Green) said they were proud that the government is extending its Best Start scheme to more schools in September.

The beginning of the new school year will see more than 2,700 schools across the country providing children with breakfasts which the government says can save parents up to £450 a year – and result in children being more settled and ready to learn from the beginning of the school day.

This will mean 680,000 children attending the clubs, compared to 300,000 currently, with six more Barnet schools joining the scheme (see list below).

In a joint statement, the MPs said: “We have been working hard with the Labour government and Barnet Council to get Best Start free breakfast clubs into Barnet’s schools. This expansion secures savings for local families when they need it most and will mean every child, no matter their background, can feel the benefits of a nutritious breakfast before school.

“We must enable working families to prosper – not force them to choose between their employment and their child’s education.

“We’re proud of this Labour government backing working families and giving kids in Barnet and across the UK the best start in life.”

Explaining the move, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “From September, families will feel the difference at the school gates: free breakfast clubs at 1,400 more schools, an end to expensive lists of branded uniform, and more free lunches for those who need them.

“That’s the British childhood this government believes in – and why we’ll always fight to give every child the very best start in life.”

Schools across Barnet to offer free breakfast clubs from September:

Ashmole Primary School*
The Windmill School
Saracens Broadfields
Watling Park School
Tudor Primary School*
Claremont Primary School*
Wessex Gardens Primary School
Manorside Primary School
All Saints’ CofE Primary School NW2

*Part of the first phase of free breakfast clubs operating since April 2025

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