Why teachers say kids should eat breakfast

By Lucy Brimble

Children who eat a proper breakfast concentrate more at school and are likely to get better results, according to teachers.

A study, of 500 UK educators, found 72 percent notice a significant difference between students who eat the first meal of the day and those who don't.

Youngsters who do eat before school are more willing to take part in group activities, they’ll have higher concentration levels and appear to be happier in class.

Whereas characteristics, of those who don't have breakfast on a regular basis, include giving up on tasks quickly, showing signs of tiredness and being easily distracted.

Similarly, they aren’t as engaged compared to those who have eaten and show a lack of curiosity.

A further 97 percent of teachers believe breakfast, such as a bowl of cereal or toast, is very important to the success of kids at school.

The research was commissioned by Warburtons as part of its partnership with the charity Magic Breakfast, to highlight the importance of a good breakfast and provide over a million breakfasts to children facing food insecurity.

Lindsey MacDonald, chief executive at Magic Breakfast, said: “At Magic Breakfast it's our mission to end morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children and young people.

"However, as financial pressures continue to stretch more and more families, sadly an increasing number of children are going to school hungry.

“We're thrilled to be working with Warburtons and to have their support in providing more young people the chance to have a nutritious breakfast at school.

“We know that those who have had a breakfast are more settled, ready to learn and go on to achieve better results at school, helping them realize their dreams.”

Jonathan Warburton, chairman of Warburtons, added: “Not every child has access to breakfast before school and we want to help change that.

“We firmly believe that all children should get the opportunity to thrive at school, no matter their circumstances.”

The study also found during a typical school day, a child will first say they are ‘hungry’ at 9:54 am.

According to the teachers, polled via OnePoll, nearly half (48 percent) of children in their school communities will eat while on the journey to school and 46 percent will have their morning meal at a breakfast club.

However, teachers estimate that 34 percent of their class don’t eat before they start lessons for the day.

Providing children with breakfast before classes begin is important according to 95 percent, but sadly a quarter say their school doesn’t have a club or trolley to offer this.

Those whose school does offer these facilities typically serve food including toast, cereal and juice.

More than seven in 10 (71 percent) believe a breakfast club gives the children time to settle into the school environment before lessons begin.

While getting a nutritious meal (76 percent), socializing with other students (60 percent) and learning about the importance of a good breakfast (47 percent) were some of the other benefits cited.

But sadly, 38 percent worry about school budgets impacting morning clubs for students.

Aside from the nutritional aspect, 70 percent believe a good breakfast allows children time to properly prepare for the day ahead.

While a further 57 percent say it gives them time to wake up before lessons.

Dietitian Priya Tew said: “In light of the cost of living crisis, many children are missing out on meals and nutrition at home, so being provided with a balanced breakfast at school could make a huge impact on their health.

"Children who eat a hearty breakfast have a higher intake of key nutrients than breakfast skippers.

"Whilst all meals are important, breakfast can be a golden opportunity to encourage children to eat fiber, calcium, B vitamins, protein and iron as well as one of their five a day with a portion of fruit.

“Numerous studies have shown breakfast may benefit physical health and cognitive function too - improving concentration levels and chances of a child’s success at school.

"Missing out a whole meal a day is going to make it hard to catch up on the nutrition their bodies need and reach their full potential in the classroom.”

Jonathan Warburton added: “We firmly believe that all children should get the opportunity to thrive at school, no matter their circumstances.

“That’s why our partnership with Magic Breakfast is so important to us here at Warburtons - not every child has access to breakfast before school and we want to help change that.

“On top of the product donations and community grants we make through the Warburtons Foundation, our pledge to provide 1.1 million breakfasts to schools through Magic Breakfast means we’ll be able to reach and support more families - something our family business has been committed to since we began.”

10 CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WHO DO EAT BREAKFAST BEFORE SCHOOL

1.    High concentration levels
2.    Engaged with the lesson
3.    A positive attitude
4.    Happier to be in the classroom
5.    A willingness to participate in class activities
6.    A good memory of things previously learnt/spoken about
7.    Contributing to group activities
8.    Better grades
9.    Raising their hand to answer questions
10.   Curiosity about what is being taught

10 CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WHO DON’T EAT BREAKFAST BEFORE SCHOOL

1.    Tiredness
2.    Struggles to concentrate
3.    Easily distracted
4.    Not fully engaged with the lesson
5.    Gives up on tasks quickly
6.    A negative attitude
7.    Easily confused
8.    Struggles to remember things from previous lessons
9.    Lack of curiosity about what is being taught
10.   Less creative