THOUSANDS of families across Tameside are set to save money from the start of the new school year.
For eight more establishments in the Ashton-under-Lyne constituency are preparing to launch free breakfast clubs.
The expansion, announced by the Government, means children attending the new clubs from September will receive a free breakfast before the school day begins, with families able to save up to £450 a year while benefiting from additional childcare.
The eight schools joining the programme are Oasis Academy Broadoak, St James’, Tameside Alternative Provision Academy, Poplar Street, The Heys, St Stephen’s C of E, Ashton West End Primary Academy and Inspire Academy.
They join Canon Johnson C of E and Holy Trinity C of E, where breakfast clubs are already in place.
Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner welcomed the expansion, saying: “I’ve been working hard to get Best Start free breakfast clubs across my constituency and I’m really pleased to be delivering these in eight new schools from September.
“This expansion secures savings for local families when they need it most and will mean every child, no matter their background, can feel the benefits of a nutritious breakfast before school. Children arrive more settled, fed and ready to learn from the moment the school day begins.
“Alongside welcome action on the cost of school uniform, this Government is cutting the cost of getting children into school so they can get the brilliant education they deserve.”
The Government says families using the clubs every school day could save up to £450 a year and gain about 95 hours of additional childcare across the academic year.
The announcement comes alongside new measures to reduce the cost of school uniforms.
From September, schools will be legally required to limit the number of branded uniform items they insist pupils wear, allowing parents to buy more affordable alternatives such as trousers, shirts and skirts from supermarkets and high street retailers rather than specialist suppliers.
Further guidance will also encourage schools to reduce the cost of more expensive branded items, including blazers and jumpers, ahead of the 2027 school year.
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 that, when combined with the expansion of free school meals for children in households receiving Universal Credit, some families could be almost £1,000 better off each year through lower school costs and additional support.