Inverclyde Academy breakfast club praised by pupils

Inverclyde Academy has teamed up with a national charity to ensure that every child is fuelled up in the morning and ready to learn.

A pupil committee serves up a buffet of free bagels, toast, cereals, yoghurt and fruit every day.

Head teacher Denise Crawford, who makes some mean scrambled eggs to add to the menu, said: "We've linked up with the Magic Breakfast Charity and we pay £2,000 a year for breakfast for every single person in the school.

"Our school roll is 800 and the breakfast is not just for pupils, we also have 100 members of staff."

Mrs Crawford says the initiative has been a big success.

She said: "It's made a huge difference. Some pupils would previously go to the local shops to buy breakfast, which might not be as healthy.

"Our breakfast is in line with all the nutritional requirements and it is led by pupils themselves."

Ashraf Abdulghaniyy Akeem, leader of the breakfast committee, said: "The breakfast club is good because it means our students don't need to worry about what they're going to eat before coming to school. We have a good selection of food and it helps everyone get ready for the day."

Aimeeleigh Millar, who is in S2, says the free feed is important and is also helping youngsters learn.

She said: "Not all kids have enough money to have breakfast. I have been making scrambled eggs, so I've learned a new skill as well."

First year pupil Aisha Samu said: "It's a good idea. Not all pupils get breakfast at home, so they can eat when they come to school.

"It's an important meal and helps you to do better in your studies."

Emylea Livingstone, who is in S6, added: "I moved to the school last year and I was really surprised to see this.

"None of the other schools I had been to had a breakfast club. I don't really have time for breakfast at home as I have to take a couple of buses to come into school from Port Glasgow, so it's great for me and I am ready for my breakfast, it gives me energy for the day."