As a part of Northumberland County Council’s Wraparound Funding Programme, NCC Early Years Team are offering schools the opportunity to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to access funds to create additional SEND Soft-Start Breakfast Club places specifically for those pupils aged 5 – 11 yrs who have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), and particularly those who require additional staffing support.
As you know this type of provision can help contribute to driving improvements in behaviour, attendance and attainment.
Historically, it has been difficult for schools who may wish to offer such provision to do so due to the associated higher staffing costs and school budget constraints.
Accessing this support will help in your school’s preparations for the future statutory roll-out of the DfE Free Breakfast Club Programme.
Funding Available
Grant funding will primarily fund staffing costs to enable Schools to offer a SEND provision alongside their existing “mainstream” offer.
Provision should be for a minimum of 30mins before the school start time and be offered Monday to Friday during term time.
If you offer breakfast club in partnership with a PVI please pass this email onto them for consideration.
Grant funding covers the equivalent costs of a Band 4 staff member for 1 hour per day, for a period of 5 Terms.
You will therefore have the option of employing 1 staff member for 1 hour or 2 staff members for 0.5 hours daily.
Next Steps
To submit an Expression of Interest, please click on this LINK which will take you to the EOI form. Please complete ASAP to highlight your interest in receiving this funding.
Closing date is Friday 27th November 2026 but note that submissions will be approved in the order EOI’s are submitted until the funds are exhausted, on a rolling basis.
DfE Guidance – Please read the guidance document below before submitting your EOI.
Home – Free breakfast clubs programme
Should you wish to discuss the opportunity or have any questions please contact Alex.Turner@northumberland.gov.uk
