STUDENTS are getting their teeth into their studies thanks to new initiative which starts the day with a hearty breakfast.
Beaumont Hill Academy, part of the Education Village in Darlington, has launched a breakfast club which is already having an impact on concentration, behaviour and improved attainment.
The idea of special needs teacher Sarah Wilson, funding has been secured from cereal manufacturer Kelloggs, while two local supermarkets, Morrison and ASDA, supply the goods.
Beaumont Hill Academy students, who have complex learning needs, now spend the first 20 minutes of the school day socialising over a healthy breakfast of cereal, brown toast and fruit.
“The effect is amazing,” said Mrs Wilson. “Having a good breakfast inside them instantly promotes positive behaviour, helps concentration and improves attainment.
“I am a firm believer that diet and hydration have such a positive impact and the breakfast club has certainly confirmed this.”
The £1,000 worth of funding from Kellogg’s has allowed the school to buy a fridge to allow buying in bulk and to keep the breakfast produce fresh longer. Evidence of improved behaviour and attainment linked to the breakfast club is being logged by staff.
Mrs Wilson said: “The case study we used when applying for the funding highlighted the case of one of our students who was a refugee. She used to cry every day but the breakfast club really helped her emotionally and helped her grow in confidence.
“Another student used to arrive every day with pockets full of sweets. He became so much calmer when these were substituted for a proper breakfast. All the students absolutely love it.”