YOUNG people will soon be able to attend new, free breakfast clubs at eight Dorset schools thanks to a government scheme.

The first 750 ‘early adopter’ schools taking part in the initiative have been announced, with the clubs set to launch from April.

In Dorset, early adopter schools set to offer free breakfast clubs are:

• Dorchester Middle School
• Marshwood CofE Primary Academy
• St Mary’s CofE Primary School, Bridport
• Durweston CofE Primary School
• Stoborough CofE Primary School
• St George’s CofE Primary School, Langton Matravers
• Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School
• Powerstock CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School

Three schools in Bournemouth are also taking part.

READ MORE: Education news from your Purbeck Gazette

The unveiling of the clubs comes after the Labour Government aimed to deliver its manifesto pledge to universal free breakfast clubs and at least 30 minutes of free childcare to primary pupils each day, “helping to support parents getting into work” and potentially saving families £450 a year.

The Government said schools are encouraged to offer healthy, varied and nutritious breakfasts, from wheat bisks and porridge to fresh fruit and yoghurt.

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 selected early adopter schools will receive funding to cover food and staffing costs.

Sir David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action, said: “Family Action welcomes the government’s announcement of the 750 schools who have been selected to take part in the Early Adopters Scheme.

“These schools will have a vital test and learn role which will undoubtedly inform the national rollout of the government’s exciting universal breakfast policy.

“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.”