All children in the chosen schools will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day helping to support parents getting into work by dropping their children off half an hour earlier.
All the schools will receive funding to cover food and staffing costs.
Schools were chosen from across England to ensure the early adopters take place in schools in various locations, including those that do not currently run a breakfast club.
Schools that become early adopters will get early access to government funding to deliver free and universal breakfast clubs from the first day of the summer term.
Education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said, ‘Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of our Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.
‘Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn.
‘Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.’
The breakfast club rollout is taking places alongside the wider work of the Child Poverty Taskforce.
According to ministers, 67,000 of the 180,000 pupils set to benefit come from the most disadvantaged areas of England.
Government research shows most parents (87 per cent) think breakfast clubs are a good chance for children to socialise, and two thirds (66 per cent) recognise the value of clubs providing educational activities.
They said that breakfast clubs have been shown to boost children’s reading, writing, and maths by an average of two months.
Jackie Fitton, headteacher at Kearsley West Primary School said, ‘We are delighted to be one of the early adopter schools. For our school, the funding provided will be a real-life saver, ensuring we can provide a healthy breakfast and supportive start to the day for our pupils.
‘Breakfast clubs have already made a massive difference to pupils’ wellbeing, providing them with time to settle in, socialise with friends and get ready to learn.’
Sir David Holmes, chief executive of Family Action said, ‘We know that an effective breakfast provision delivered in a supportive and enriching environment can make the world of difference to a child. We look forward to sharing our long experience of delivering breakfast provision ourselves with Early Adopter schools.’
Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders union the NAHT said, ‘Children who start the school day hungry often struggle to concentrate, and breakfast clubs can help improve their health, wellbeing and learning, as well as tackling the impact of poverty.
‘Many schools already run them, and it is positive that the government is looking to extend their reach.
‘The government’s decision to test the scheme through its early adopters pilot is welcome, and it’s vital ministers listen to and act upon feedback.
‘We have already heard from some school leaders who are worried that funding for the scheme will fall short of the cost of delivering it.
‘It will be crucial that these concerns are addressed before the programme is rolled out across the country to ensure that it does not place further pressure on already strained school budgets, and that children and families can fully reap the benefits.’
