Children at four Renfrewshire schools are benefitting from new morning clubs that are offering a healthy breakfast and activities before the school day starts.

01

Pupils at Gallowhill and St Catherine’s (both Paisley), and St David’s and Cochrane Castle (both Johnstone) are invited to the new clubs from 8.15am until 9am, every weekday.

02

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Education and Children Policy Board, said: “Evidence shows that a healthy breakfast is extremely important for children, and we also know that pupils who attend morning clubs like these arrive at school ready to learn.

“A healthy and structured start to the day can achieve improved learning, attendance and behaviour at school as well as improved social development. I welcome our new morning clubs that are another key part of our drive to close the attainment gap between pupils from high and low income households.”

Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Environment Policy Board, added: “I was delighted to attend the new morning club recently to see first-hand how much the children are enjoying a nutritional breakfast followed by structured activities. The clubs are completely free of charge to children and their families and are being funded by a worthwhile investment of £120,000 from the council’s £6m Tackling Poverty Fund.”

More than half of the council’s £6m Tackling Poverty Fund is being targeted towards education, early years and closing the attainment gap.