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Breakfast Club Review 2005

BREAKFAST CLUB REVIEW 2005

“It’s a safe place - and no-one feels


threatened by it. That’s some
achievement”

[Committee member]

Coinneach Shanks
March 2005

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Breakfast Club Review 2005

1. Objectives of the Review


The aim of this review is to examine three areas

 Review the recommendations of the previous report


 Assess changes and outstanding (unimplemented) recommendations
 Review possible changes within the constraints of the aims and objectives of the
Breakfast Club itself. In particular, opportunities for development will be considered

2. General Aims
It is necessary to repeat the general aims of the Breakfast Club.

The Breakfast Club was set up in January 2001, and since then has provided breakfast for a
number of children in Area D. The Breakfast Club aims to provide breakfast for up to 50
Children in Area D. The breakfast will be nutritious and attractive enough to children such that
they will eat it. It will be served during term time on five mornings per week between the times
of 08.00 and 08.45 am. Breakfast will consist of the following: Cereal, Milk, Sugar, Fruit Juice,
Yogurt, Fruit, Bread, Butter or Spread, Jam, Marmalade or other Spread.

The basic objectives of the Before Schools (Breakfast) Club are:


• To respond to the basic need for adequate nourishment that every child has
• To provide nutritious food for children who need it in a respectful and caring way that
does not cause stigmatization or alienation for the child or his family
• To create a provision that will have a positive impact on children’s learning, health and
social skills.

The expected outcomes and impact of this service are:


 Improvement in the nutrition levels of children in the catchment area.
 Improvement of punctuality and attendance levels in school
 Improvement in children’s attention and concentration levels
 Reduction or elimination of children’s junk food consumption en route to school
 Development of children’s mealtime social skills

This will be achieved through provision of a welcoming, relaxing and calm space in which
positive social interaction will be encouraged. It is intended that the opportunity to relax and
socialise, will allow children to continue to class in a positive frame of mind. It is intended that
the nutritional and health aspect of the club will achieve goodness of fit with the Social Personal
and Health Education Programme.

3. The previous review revisited


The previous review examined the Breakfast Club on the basis of choice voice, access and
accountability. The current review has a more targeted scope, examining the further development
of the Club, change of venue, improvements and scope for development. Furthermore, it
examines the possible constraints on achieving the development potential inherent in the club
itself - as it is now. The points from the previous review are compared with the present.

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Breakfast Club Review 2005

1. The initial report began by locating the Breakfast Club within government policy,
stressing the quality of the future work force and standards of living. It emphasised that a
poor start to the day means a loss in education benefit and a consequent waste of
community resources. This (state level) policy remains unchanged.

2. The initial report set the context of the examination within the disadvantaged localities,
which the Club served. The area was typified by social and economic disadvantage. The
area served was marked by a lack of open space, urban decay, unemployment, a high
incidence of lone parents families, drug problems and so on. The decanting of the
residents in the local estate may have demographic implications for the project. The
current review identifies different children characteristics resulting form a cohort change.
Staff members report that children are quieter, more courteous and more self-resilient.

3. The initial report stressed the background of children coming to school without adequate
nutrition and the resulting negative impact on school performance. The Breakfast Club
was therefore conceived as part of a community development strategy in the area. There
is no change in the current period.

4. The report described the project as one of high energy. In the Community premises,
children were served a continental breakfast of cereals, juice and spreads on four
weekdays. A cooked breakfast was served on a Friday. The children were enthusiastic
and well behaved in an atmosphere of excitement. The current review identified a change
from the previous position. Children’s “acting out” is much reduced in the current
system.

5. The initial review reported that children brought themselves to the Club and departed for
school later, unescorted by parents. The current review identifies a change in that some
parents like the children to return home prior to going to school. Whilst anecdotal
evidence suggests that some attendees ultimately do not get to school, only one child in
this category could be identified. And although some Committee members would prefer
children to go directly to school from the Club, it appears that there is parental pressure in
this regard. Parent choice appears to be determining this situation.

6. The initial report stressed the voluntary help involved in preparation and serving of meals
and talking to the children. The activities mounted in the old club have of necessity
reduced given the layout and design of the new premises. There is evidence that some
volunteers feel somewhat excluded from the Club, given differences in approach and it
may be that the voluntary role is unclear.

7. The initial report identified a high level of access for children and parents in the area, in
terms of the universal approach and proximity of the Club. But it was noted that the
location had difficulties of perceived safety arising from its position in the grounds of the
building and the obvious road safety concerns. The position and frontage of the new
premises has reduced these difficulties significantly.

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Breakfast Club Review 2005

8. The initial report noted that there was no equivalent service within the locality. As such,
the Breakfast Club was extending choice to the citizens of the localities served. This
review notes that the provision of after schools services by alternative agencies has co-
ordinated services well. The initial report noted that that the level of choice for children
within the project. It was felt that they influenced the food available. This review notes
that in order to achieve balance and maintain congruent with good practice developments,
staff introduced a new menu, taking into account diet and health objectives. Although
some choice is still available, sugar is reduced and waste eliminated. The practice of
taking food away is almost eliminated. However, “healthy eating” policies have gained
more ground since the initial review – a change that current practice reflects.

9. The initial report notes a comparative absence of the parents’ voice in participating in the
project. The report suggested that this is due to the collective lack of confidence in the
localities involved. The report noted that parents expressed views through the Breakfast
Club part time worker. The current review notes that this continues.

10. The initial report notes that accountability was expressed through the committee, which
features a fairly low rate of community participation. This review notes that community
development workers maintained “stewardship” of the project. The report noted the
appointment of a worker who is organic to the locality and suggested that the worker
attends the committee. This review welcomes the addition of another member of staff
who is also organic to the locality. The review notes that there continues to be little
involvement of staff in the committee.

11. The initial report examined the management and operational structure of the Breakfast
Club. It noted excellent use of scarce resources and drew attention to the way in which
the locality’s organisations worked together to serve the community. The current review
notes that this remains unchanged. The existence of a mixed funding profile continues.
Work entailed in funding applications and report-back procedures is considered to have
grown in volume.

12. The initial report recognised that lack of time in the morning constrains the type and
breadth of possible activities and the current review shows that this has not changed.
However the addition of a new staff member, and improvements to spatial design of the
Club represent a social and role-modelling development.

13. The initial report considered that children numbers were not high enough to make firm
statements concerning education impact in attendance, punctuality, behaviour and
performance. The report suggested that the Club could make an assessment of children’s
improvements. This remains a problem. Research to establish general improvement is
outside the financial scope of the Club.

14. The initial report found that the target group was represented within the universal
provision of the Club. The report identified a judicious mix in age, gender and socio

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Breakfast Club Review 2005

economic group, which proved beneficial for all participants. The current attendees are
congruent with the target group. Female-male disproportion reflects area demographics.

15. The initial report expressed concern about the lack of a roll, indicating who was on the
premises. It suggested that this safety measure was introduced. The current review notes
that this is now carried out through numbers. Staff members also monitor children when
they use toilet facilities.

16. The initial report offered ideas for the development of the Club. The initial suggestion
that the Club provide an after school café is fulfilled by the Family Centre through
coordination and common staff. The initial report proposed a stand-alone committee and
2 (f.t.e.) additional operational staff. This has been partially accomplished by the addition
of one part time member of staff and the arrangement whereby staff members are
working across two employers and locations.

Display 1: Recommendations and Subsequent Implementation

No Recommendation Implementation
1 Improvement of social and environmental facilities Complete. New custom built
premises with on-street
frontage
2 Democratic child involvement through play No – time constraints limit
initiatives
3 Ex officio Involvement of staff in Committee No
3b Training for members of staff No
4 Retention of food, diet and nutrition structure Staff-initiated policy change
in line with Breakfast Club
Movement-based change in
good practice.
Waste eliminated
5 Addition of one part time member of staff Yes. Very successful
6 Promote involvement in a city-wide Club impact study No. Resource constraints
7 Part time co-ordinator to meet with school staff Yes – informal liaison.
System also checked
through new member of
staff
8 Retention of target group within a judicious mix Yes – but modified by city-
sponsored environmental
change (urban renewal)
Demographic change
Cohort change
9 Provision of after-school cafe Yes – through coordination
with other agencies. Family
Centre. Common staff.
10 Freestanding Committee Yes – informal. Community
involvement remains low
11 Establish Children Panel for suggestions and complaints No – time constraints limit
but children’s development
operating at the informal
level

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Breakfast Club Review 2005

The initial report acknowledged the work and commitment that made the club a success and
stressed the opportunities for development. Some development opportunities remain outstanding
but are limited by time constraints related to the club duration/time of day.

4. Observations
The two review visits to the Breakfast Club reveal the following issues, which must be explored
in conjunction with the group workshop and the staff interview/s. The issues of target group,
numbers and “goodness of fit” with the locality will be dealt with later in this report.

The new centre offers resolution of old issues and generates new problems and opportunities.

A: The following successes are apparent


 The new centre offers a cafeteria environment in which efficiency in meal delivery is
achievable
 The consolidated experience of the staff contributes to the efficiency of delivery
 Delivery style offers role modelling in socialisation of meal behaviour, table manners,
extension of choice
 Waste has been eliminated
 Diet is improved: fruit (oranges) and Weetabix are much in demand.
 Children are more effectively involved in mealtime behaviour and show a willingness to
assist

B: The following problems arise


 Reduction in opportunity for volunteer participation.
 Some reduction in opportunity for education development in creativity, literacy and
numeracy development
 Shared facilities reduce possible ownership by the children
 Shared facilities are more institutional than the previous venue
 Children continue to reject certain diet objectives
 Current level of staff development is considerable, but not ongoing

C: The following opportunities arise:


 Encouraging the children to acknowledge the shared environment
 Encouraging the children to make the cafeteria their own.
 Explore how development can occur in the limited time
 Changing the time period such that the children are effectively and developmentally
“captured”
 Explore improvements in staff training such that developmental issues are foregrounded
 Explore the further consolidation of staff members who are organic to the community

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Breakfast Club Review 2005

Display 2: Analysis of interviews and discussion group


Category Positive Negative Changes
Socialisation into the adult Volunteers feel excluded Volunteers feel excluded
world  I was standing around  Identify resentments,
 It’s something definite and talking to the  Re-consider and clarify
and dependable children a bit but I felt volunteer roles
 More sitting down in an in the way  What should a
ordered space  Felt uncomfortable volunteer bring to the
 We have a set table unwanted club – energy,
Efficiency and when the kids  Loss of experience recognition, things from
come in they are asked Reduced development “the outside world”,
what they want  They are finished to role-modelling
 They appreciate the soon before 8:30 Development
place more since they  Children should be  Change time to later
look after it involved in self  Arrange for parents to
 Efficiency leaves space development pick up later
for other things to Other  Children to come to
happen  Blamed once for kids club, ready for school
 The kids need their lateness for school  Appoint specific
routine, stability (proved untrue) development worker
New set up is development Limited time period Some areas possible
 It’s about giving kids available  Develop current staff
encouragement to help  We are expecting too practice of kid’s poetry,
themselves when home much of the club talk about news, gossip
 Now they read books  Too many pressures about lives
round the side on the kids  Bring older children in
Development  Kids encouraged to talk  Perhaps not possible to help (like some other
about current events in the time B.C.s)
 Kids have asked to play Shared space problematic  Anti-racism initiative
football – need a pilot to  We were doing art  Mark seasons using
check it out stuff but we haven’t posters
 Children sit with others the space  Introduce pilot kick-
whom they would not  Its hard to personalise about
normally avoid the (shared) space
Portion control reduces Children still won’t eat Diet policies
sugar intake and waste some foods
 They don’t need all that  Kids would eat
sugar and cereal yoghurt but only the  Examine food question
 Sorted problem of kids expensive petit blues. and look at good
Diet going to school covered  Children have limited practice elsewhere
in chocolate spread diet in their own  Introduce nutritious
 Sorted problem of kids homes substitutes if possible
leaving with food  Small portions of fruit
 Used to go to school
eating stuff from shops.
That’s stopped.
Two workers organic to Formal training absent Training
Training and locality  Lack of enthusiasm?  Locate course, basic
Community  Resource to whole child development
Development community  Encourage continuing
staff development.
Identify needs and
implement

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Breakfast Club Review 2005

6. Summary of key areas


The pertinent issues currently circulate around three key areas. Firstly the relationship between
breakfast club efficiency and children development must be balanced. Secondly, the diet
considerations must be brought in line with best practice. Thirdly, the community development
objective of training for wider participation must be consolidated. So let’s have an in-depth look
at the key areas.

a. Development
The review recognises the limited time available for development work and agrees with the
staff position that cafeteria-style eating is socially beneficial for the children participating.
Some development work is integrated into the cafeteria environment, whilst fulfilling the social
objectives of the Breakfast Club. The provision of a nutritious meal to the correct target group is
taking place. The developmental activities may be more adequately catered for in the after-
schools club. It appears that many of the children go to the both clubs. The applied research that
has taken place in this area is primarily concentrated in the UK, particularly Scotland. Many of
the same problems have been identified.

A key issue identified in this research into breakfast and homework clubs is the problem of
children being away from the home for lengthy period of the day. The question of parental
responsibility and training therefore arises. Encouragement of parental involvement in the
breakfast club should be tackled, since parents also need to develop parenting skills. At the same
time, the carefully cultivated relationship between children and workers must not be threatened.
The safety and comfort of the children in a non-threatening environment is considered
paramount.

The need for development is recognised as a main concern of the committee. It would therefore
be useful to consider development methods that sit well with the children in the holding
environment. Posters that match school curriculum may be considered without risking the
children’s ownership of the space. The question of club-school matching on learning areas
should however be considered carefully. Perhaps the children like the non-school space simply
because it is neither school nor home. The consultant strongly recommends a small survey of
the children to hear their voice. This can be carried out simply and without undue fuss. It is a
development exercise in itself, which promotes autonomy and independence.

The single request that has come from the children – space to kick a football around - should be
taken seriously as an authentic, unprompted voice. This would reclaim activity from the street
outside the school and draw it back to the Breakfast Club. The children will also feel listened to.
The consultant therefore strongly supports the staff proposal for a pilot sports period. This
should be held under supervision since there are obvious safety implications.

b. Diet
Diet considerations are always difficult where children are unused to a balanced diet at home.
Attaining the balance between what they should eat and what they want to eat is always difficult.
Staff members state that diet change was launched following closure and reopening of the Club.
The new cohort had no familiarity with the old diet and was therefore more amenable to the

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system. Implementing change with an existing group is going to be difficult. However, children
are requesting oranges and Weetabix is the most popular Consumption of vitamin C and
roughage has therefore risen.

The consultant recommends a political attitude to food. I will use the banana, much
mentioned in the committee workshop, as an example. Where does a banana come from? Who
picks it? How do plantation workers live? How much money do they make? How does the
banana get here and how is it distributed? What do we pay for a banana? What are the many
ways of eating and cooking a banana? This doesn’t have to be a lecture, but can be introduced
conversationally combined with posters or colourful leaflets. Children are reported as willing to
discuss crucial matters in the news (e.g. what happens when disasters like a tsunami halt crop
production?). This presents an opportunity to raise awareness of others, other cultures and the
relationship between rich and poor nations.

The provision of chilled drinking water in Breakfast Clubs is becoming mandatory in the UK.
This is also a health development introduction to prevent dehydration. Additionally, I am aware
that in the new centre, that the water supply can be cut off without warning. This is a health and
safety consideration that must be addressed without delay. In theory, if there is no water the
cafeteria cannot open - or should close until the supply is restored.

c. Volunteers
The question of volunteers took much space at our workshop. The efficient control of mealtimes
fulfils the main objective criteria of the Club. However the culture of the new venue is felt to be
excluding by more than one committee member. Streamlining has reduced the need for
volunteers and the helping role is unclear. There is little option here but to enter into a discussion
with workers and perhaps allow the workers to recruit, train and manage volunteers. This will
provide the Club with continuity should one or both workers get jobs elsewhere in the
community sector. Since the staff members have taken the lead on club protocols, they should
be offered an opportunity to lead on the volunteer question. This will also help to clarify
roles. It must be noted (broadly) that volunteer activity can be erratic and that is unlikely to
change.

d. Time periods
There are several difficulties here, which are associated with available time in the morning.
Some children arrive early, some in groups, some late. The consultant recommends that no
matter what time is selected, the children’s needs come first. Staff members report that some
children from difficult home backgrounds are getting themselves up, dressed and out of the
house themselves. The doors should therefore be open for as wide a time period as possible in
order to provide a safe environment for those children. The supervisor drives an “at risk”
(previous) student to secondary school on a voluntary basis.

The time period between the club closing and the school opening is problematic. It appears that
some parents have got into the habit of expecting children to return home rather than going
straight to school. Although suspicions that some children never reach the school cannot be
confirmed, such a practice would defeat the object of the Club. The option of a later closure for

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Breakfast Club Review 2005

the Club and escorts to school could be considered. Additionally, the introduction of a period of
physical exercise may help fill this gap.

e. Training
The question of training is an unimplemented recommendation from the previous review. Since
one staff member also works at the Family Centre, it may be worthwhile to discuss a joint
initiative. Information from another agency with which I work, indicates that training in child
development is useful to residents of the inner city who are helping with after-schools projects.
The workshop was concerned that there might be lack of enthusiasm from the staff. This may
have arisen because both members of staff have already undertaken considerable training.
However, training and development needs to be ongoing. Existing “in-house” skills are as
follows:

 Child Care
 Child Psychology
 Child Protection
 Social Care Practice
 Special Needs Provision
 Health and Hygiene
 First Aid

The Breakfast Club staff members are of high quality and have considerable experience of
children. They certainly have the ability to undertake additional training, which may be available
at further and higher levels. I want to re-emphasise that the involvement of the staff in
committee work may also contribute to training objectives. Meeting protocols, including agenda
setting and minute-taking is an input into the community. Staff members could be encouraged
to make regular report backs and to bring their ideas to the committee. This would also
allow for exploration of problem areas such as the voluntary role in the club, discussed above.

f. Target Group
Target group penetration, discussed at length in the workshop, remains an outstanding issue.
Outreach work may secure additional children including those from immigrant groups. However,
the club currently caters for between 20 and 40 children. The Club may not have the capacity to
increase participation in the current venue, without expanding into the sports area behind the
cafeteria. However, the children now attending the centre reflect the disadvantaged
population of the locality. Discussions with children on site, reveals that the target group is
correct.

The social mix in the club is important. Introduction of children from different ethnic
backgrounds makes an important statement in combating racism. There is an opportunity for
children to learn from each other – offering development in tolerance acceptance and
understanding. The consultant recommends an approach to ethnic community leaders rather than
a direct approach to the parents. The extension of Club Membership to ethnic groups may help to
reduce marginalisation. I am sure that an approach and invitation will be much welcomed. Staff
training may be necessary in this regard.

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g. Outcomes
The question of outcomes (beyond throughput) is difficult to establish. The key staff member
does liaise with schools, however and thus has anecdotal evidence of improvements. It is the
view of the consultant that measurement of such indicators as class performance and
concentration, would be outside the scope of the clubs resources. The previous review suggested
that impact be measured at the wider level in conjunction with the Breakfast Club movement as a
whole. The workshop noted that teachers, especially head teachers, remain unhelpful in
measuring impact. Nevertheless, some pressure needs to be exerted such that all school staff
recognise the value of the Breakfast Club. Initiative in noticing improvement or deterioration
should be encouraged. Although in general, the education sector is notoriously weak in
information sharing, the problems of vulnerable children should be communicated confidentially
to the Breakfast Club.

At Club level however it would still be useful to have some idea of improvements. I suggest that
the two staff members carry out a monthly review of all children attending. This should be no
more than a brief notation to give an idea of progress and to offer a focus on individual needs.

7. Conclusion
The Breakfast Club is a successful initiative that deserves recognition and permanent funding.
Through early morning provision, the Club continues to extend labour market opportunities to a
disadvantaged community (in that children are more likely to benefit from school). The move to
new premises has been handled well and marks a new period in the clubs history. Naturally some
issues have arisen, but these can be tackled without difficulty.

I am advising that we do not dwell too much on the problems, especially since the literature
reveals that the problems are common across the movement. The successes as follows, are clear.

Successes
1. Accurate pick-up of target group
2. Diet-conscious provision of breakfast
3. Change in children attitudes to diet
4. Efficient club with clear boundaries
5. Provision of a safe space for children in the morning
6. Accessible, approachable and experienced staff
7. Accessible, visible premises
8. Good “arms-length” management
9. Community recognition
10. Good community links and networking

There is room for improvement in some areas – particularly integrated, organic development.
Children are already beginning to discuss current affairs. This suggests that their natural curiosity
may be the key to development. Within the limited time period available, this may be the best
way forward. It may be important for the children that they don’t experience learning as an “add-

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on” at breakfast. In other words, they don’t want to see the joins! Their social milieu is
important to them and is in itself developmental. In addition to learning about boundaries, topics
such as food, diet, health and social behaviour represent clear choices for development. These
have a goodness of fit with the key objectives of the Club. Goodness of fit with parents should
also be encouraged. Parents may be sensitive to any mention of disadvantage. The question of
volunteers also requires careful handling. Although volunteers are welcome, the current system
does not offer a specific role for volunteers. Attention should therefore be paid to volunteer roles
and role modelling.

The review confirms that important objectives are already being met. Limited modification may
be possible, so long as this does not interfere with the maintenance of existing achievements and
standards. Modifications should be introduced singly such that they may be assessed.

May 2005

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