Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed a £1,000 boost for families from September, as he steps down as Labour Party leader. The changes, rubber-stamped by Starmer, will see parents save up to £1,000 per child annually through a combination of free breakfast clubs, caps on branded school uniforms, and expanded free school meals.
Breakfast Clubs and Uniform Caps
From September, 1,400 additional schools will offer free breakfast clubs, potentially saving parents up to £450 per year. Schools must also comply with new legal limits on the number of branded uniform items they can require, allowing parents to buy basics like trousers and shirts from any shop or supermarket rather than a single expensive supplier.
Free School Meals Expansion
Every household on Universal Credit will benefit from expanded free school meals, saving up to £500 per year per child. Combined with breakfast club savings and cheaper uniforms, families could see total savings of almost £1,000 per child annually.
Government Statement
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "No parent should have to choose between a summer day out to the beach and kitting their child out for school. From September, families will feel the difference at the school gates: free breakfast clubs at 1,400 more schools, an end to expensive lists of branded uniform, and more free lunches for those who need them. That’s the British childhood this government believes in – and why we’ll always fight to give every child the very best start in life."
The government says this builds on the biggest ever expansion of funded childcare.
