Breakfast and afterschool clubs provide multifaceted benefits, including improved nutrition, academic performance, social development, and family support, particularly benefiting children in deprived areas.
These programs are vital for fostering well-being and reducing inequities in child development.
Afterschool and breakfast clubs in the UK have been studied for their various benefits to children. Here is the evidence:
Evidence from Breakfast Clubs:
- Improved Academic Performance: Attendance at breakfast clubs has been linked to better concentration, fewer skipped classes, and improved test scores in deprived areas (Shemilt et al., 2004).
- Nutritional Benefits: Breakfast clubs contribute substantially to children’s daily nutrient intake and support better dietary habits, especially in providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins (Waddington et al., 2003) (Lee & Brown, 2003).
- Social and Emotional Benefits: Participation has shown to improve social interactions, reduce victimization, and enhance children’s relationships with peers (Defeyter et al., 2015).
- Behavioral and Emotional Regulation: Observational studies in breakfast clubs demonstrate more positive behaviors among attendees, creating a conducive start to the school day (Graham et al., 2015).
- Support for Families: Breakfast clubs offer reliable childcare, reduce morning stress for families, and provide affordable care solutions (Defeyter et al., 2010).
Evidence from Afterschool Clubs:
- Physical and Skill Development: Afterschool clubs often emphasize sports and extracurricular activities, which enhance physical health and skill-building (Smith et al., 2014).
- Academic Engagement: Programs targeting physical activity and academic support in afterschool settings have been shown to improve focus and academic engagement (Huberty et al., 2009).
- Social Opportunities: Similar to breakfast clubs, afterschool clubs foster peer interaction, providing safe spaces for social development (Defeyter et al., 2015).