Breakfast / Morning clubs

In Irish schools, different initiatives to facilitate social inclusion and equality include breakfast clubs, lunch clubs, chess clubs and homework clubs. Schools promote the benefits of providing an early morning breakfast - this includes improved school attendance and retention, improvements in punctuality, interaction with adults, allowing students to have fun whilst at the same time developing social skills, meeting nutritional needs and developing positive links between the school and the family.

In St Audoens primary school, all children are welcome to join the Breakfast Club, run by volunteering teachers and external volunteers. Besides providing necessary nutrition and energy, this time is also a moment for learners to relax and focus on shool activities and learning. 

Breakfast Club is often combined with the Reading Club, which also takes place in the morning with volunteers from a nearby law firm and law library. They support the children in their reading, but also talk about their own working life and careers. These relationships provide learners with interesting experience and ideas for possible future studies and careers.