Six schools in Stoke-on-Trent will become some of the first in England to offer free daily breakfast clubs as part of a government pilot scheme.

Schools in Stockton Brook, Longton, Meir, Milton and Northwood are among those chosen to pilot the new scheme, before it is due to be expanded in September. 

Starting in April, the schools will provide "healthy, nutritious and varied breakfasts" before lessons, according to Labour. 

Greenways Primary Academy, St Gregory's Catholic Academy, Alexandra Junior School, Alexandra Infants' School, Milton Primary Academy and Co-op Academy Grove will all offer the free breakfast clubs. 

Jemma Garside, executive headteacher at Milton Primary Academy and Greenways Primary Academy said: "We firmly believe that all children should be able to start the day with a healthy breakfast to fuel their learning. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity to support our pupils' wellbeing and academic success further."

The schools will take part in an "early adopter phase" with over 743 others around the country to inform the government's England-wide rollout of the scheme. 

Labour campaigned on a promise of free breakfast clubs in every English primary school and the government hope the measure will cut the cost of living for families. 

Allison Gardner MP for Stoke-on-Trent South said the pilot is "a real boost for families in our area."

She added: "Starting the school day with a full stomach can make all the difference to a child's focus and energy levels. I want every child to thrive, and this is just the start."

David Williams MP for Stoke-on-Trent North said: "Having worked with children and young people for nearly two decades before becoming an MP, I know just how crucial it is that children are given the very best start to life. 

"Evidence clearly shows that providing a healthy school breakfast at the start of the school day improves our children's readiness to learn, increases their concentration, and improves their wellbeing and behaviour."

However, although welcoming the scheme, the Association of School and College Leaders general secretary, Pepe Di'Iasio warned the daily rate of 60p per pupil is "far too low". 

He said: "We're really worried that the funding is far too low with a basic daily rate of just 60p per pupil. 

"We strongly urge the government to be more realistic about the costs involved before it attempts to roll out this policy nationally."

And the National Association of Head Teacher's general secretary, Paul Whiteman, echoed similar concerns.

He said: "We have already heard from some school leaders who are worried that funding for the scheme will fall short of the cost of delivering it.

"It will be crucial that these concerns are addressed before the programme is rolled out across the country to ensure that it does not place further pressure on already strained school budgets, and that children and families can fully reap the benefits."

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