It is widely recognised that breakfast is an important meal for children to have each day, to prepare them for their day of learning at school. Research has shown that consumption of a healthy fulfilling breakfast improves behaviour and concentration in the classroom resulting in higher academic outcomes.
The LACA view is that a breakfast should complement the existing lunchtime meal service and that it is not a choice of one or the other. Studies have also found that one in seven children come into school without having breakfast.
Anita Brown, chair of LACA, commented: “As school food providers, there is increasing pressure on us to be able to provide a breakfast for our school population. To support school catering providers, LACA has developed this guidance document for members to assist in setting up and managing a successful breakfast service.”
The guidance has three key elements including infrastructure, the menu offer/food and resources (labour and equipment).
LACA members can access the school breakfast provision guidance here:
Find out more about the benefits of LACA membership here.