An evaluation of breakfast clubs in two primary schools at junior years’ level

Abstract

The present study is concerned with the breakfast club service in state primary schools. Breakfast clubs were introduced in every primary state school in 2014, as a form of childcare provision for working parents so that students may start the day with a nutritious breakfast and different social activities. The present study evaluates the breakfast club service, highlighting the benefits in terms of family support, a healthier lifestyle, social interaction, improved behaviour and higher academic achievement, and also outlining the challenges/shortcomings. The study focused on two primary schools. Qualitative data was collected from participants who are involved in the various stages of this service. This entailed face-to-face interviews with the Education Officer Ms Roslynn Vella, Heads of school and teachers as well as focus groups with junior years’ students. Results demonstrated that the breakfast club service is a success in terms of offering a pleasant and safe environment for students and a healthy breakfast. One of the breakfast clubs offers different healthy breakfast options and provides students with the opportunity to take part in outdoor physical activities but lacks a range of indoor games. The other breakfast club is limited in breakfast options and outdoor physical activities but gives students the opportunity to participate in various indoor games. The study concludes that both breakfast clubs are generating more awareness on the importance of a nutritious breakfast for a healthy lifestyle. The study also recommends how the breakfast club service can be improved.