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<p>The government is committed to continuing support for school breakfast clubs and
we are investing up to £24 million to continue our national programme for the next
two years. This funding will support around 2,500 schools in disadvantaged areas meaning
that thousands of children from low income families will be offered free nutritious
breakfasts to better support their attainment, wellbeing and readiness to learn.</p><p>The
focus of the programme is to target the most disadvantaged areas of the country, including
the department's Opportunity Areas. Schools’ eligibility for the programme is based
on the income deprivation affecting children index (IDACI) deprivation scale, a nationally
recognised indicator of need, to ensure provision is directed where it is most needed.
Schools will be eligible for the programme if they have 50% or more pupils within
bands A to F of the IDACI scale.</p><p>The enrolment process for schools joining the
programme is currently ongoing, and we have seen a strong interest so far from eligible
schools since we invited the expressions of interest. Throughout the current contract
we will be working with our provider, Family Action, to monitor different aspects
of the current programme, including the reach the programme is having in relation
to pupil attendance at the breakfast provision in schools. We will consider the best
opportunities to share information on the programme as it progresses.</p>
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