An initiative to provide free school meals to children has been extended – thanks in part to a donation from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation.

Children have been enjoying free breakfasts since the start of the summer term after the York Hungry Minds scheme was rolled out to another 10 schools for at least three years.

The Foundation is supporting the initiative at four schools, funding a total of 49,450 meals at Burton Green, Osbaldwick, St Lawrence’s and Tang Hall primary schools.

The scheme began in 2023 with a breakfast club at Burton Green Primary School, supported by a £20,000 donation by the Foundation, and a free lunch initiative at Westfield Community Primary School. In February 2025, the breakfast club was introduced at Fishergate Primary School, before being rolled out to another 10 schools in some of the most deprived areas of the city in April this year.

The Burton Green breakfast club was attended by 121 pupils, 36% of whom were eligible for free school meals. Research by the Universities of York and Sheffield found the pilot scheme improved children’s behaviour, readiness to learn and overall wellbeing, as well as attendance and punctuality, particularly among those eligible for free school meals.

Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this excellent initiative. Having supported the pilot scheme at Burton Green Primary School, we’ve been really encouraged by the breakfast club’s positive impact. This is why we were so pleased to donate nearly another £100,000 as the extended scheme will support more local families and help more children succeed.”

Martin Kelly, Corporate Director of Children and Education at City of York Council, which is behind the programme, said: “We know that free school breakfasts are attracting children into school on time and ready for their first lesson. That changes the dynamics of the whole day – not just for those children who are receiving free school meals but for the whole class.

“We’re really thankful to the Foundation and to other donors, who’ve given a substantial amount so we can commit to funding all these schools for the next three years.”

Councillor Bob Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, added: “Persimmon is a great example of one donor who’s come forward to make a difference in this city and it’s fantastic they’ve provided funding to make this happen.”

At Osbaldwick, where up to 33% of children are disadvantaged, feedback has been positive. Headteacher Matt Brown said: “This will have such a big impact, giving children life chances. We’re very grateful to be part of the project and to Persimmon for giving us that backing.”