Breakfast club gets a boost and a special visit from Pudsey
A good day at school can start with something as simple as a good breakfast, and our partnership with the Greggs Foundation is helping more local children start their day well.
Through our Community Investment Funding, we’re providing £5,000 of support, plus an additional £200 in recognition of BBC Children in Need, helping our investment in local children go even further.
At St Francis Horndale CE Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, 53 pupils attend Breakfast Club every day. With 74% of pupils recorded as eligible for free school meals, the club provides much more than something to eat. It gives children a welcoming place to settle in, spend time with friends and start their day ready to learn.
There was an extra helping of fun at Horndale Primary School when Pudsey Bear dropped into breakfast club to mark BBC Children in Need. Pudsey joined the children for breakfast and even took part in a dance session. It was a fun morning, but behind the dancing and smiles is a partnership with a meaningful purpose of helping local children start their day feeling supported, included and ready to learn.
Joanne Copeland, acting Head Teacher and Brooke Pickett, Deputy Head Teacher said: “Breakfast Club is an incredibly important part of our school day. It provides children with a welcoming and nurturing start each morning, giving them time to regulate, socialise with friends and staff, and enjoy a healthy breakfast before learning begins. The club helps ensure children arrive at school on time, happy, and ready to learn, and has a hugely positive impact on both our pupils and their families across the community.”
Naomi, Year 3, said: “I didn't expect to see Pudsey Bear this morning. He was great, he danced with us in Breakfast Club and he gave us high fives.”
Rebecca, Year 5, added: “I loved our surprise this morning when Pudsey came for breakfast. I didn't expect to be dancing with him today. It was so much fun!”
Pictured: left to right, Lisa Newham (Community Regeneration Advisor) Lynne Hindmarch (Partnership and Events Manager for Greggs Foundation), Pudsey Bear, Joanne Copeland (Acting Head Teacher) and Brooke Pickett (Deputy Head Teacher) and students from the breakfast club at Horndale Primary School.