Schools take steps to reduce hunger in Leeds

Nearly half of Yorkshire's teachers have brought food into the classroom to feed hungry pupils, new research reveals.
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The study, carried out by Kellogg’s, shows nearly 83 per cent of the county’s teachers see children coming into school hungry at least once a week, while 35 per cent said they see children going hungry every day.

A number of primary schools across Leeds are taking steps to reduce the number of children coming into school hungry by hosting their very own breakfast clubs.

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Nicholas Sykes, headteacher, at Chapel Allerton Primary School, said their club is proving to be popular for pupils.

He said: “Our breakfast club is very popular with the children.

“When children have a good breakfast they work and enjoy school better and it is better for their concentration.

“It also has a positive effect on behaviour, which helps improve their quality of work.

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“Some of the families that have used the breakfast club said it has made a difference.”

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, added: “That’s why as a council, we’ve recognised the importance of breakfast clubs and have joined forces with a number of local organisations and initiatives to put clubs in place at local schools, particularly those in deprived areas of the city.”

Adam Savage, before and after school club manager at Roundhay Primary School said holding an early morning breakfast club helps to boost concentration.

He said: “I think having the breakfast club is really good for the kids.

“It is really useful in helping disadvantaged families when it comes to providing breakfast and help them to be able to concentrate throughout the school day.”