How Baguley Hall Primary School is nourishing minds with a morning Magic Breakfast

At Baguley Hall Primary School in Wythenshawe, mornings are busy, purposeful, and filled with the hum of conversation as children gather to start their day. 

This lively atmosphere is thanks in no small part to Magic Breakfast, a program that ensures no child begins their school day on an empty stomach. 

Magic Breakfast at Baguley Hall School 

For over a decade, the school has partnered with the charity to provide vital morning meals that support not only children’s physical needs but also their concentration, friendships, and overall well-being.

Magic Breakfast’s mission is simple but transformative: to combat child hunger and ensure every child gets the best possible start to their day. 

With support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the charity has been able to expand its reach—now working with schools across Greater Manchester, England, and Scotland, reaching  over 200,000 children every school morning.

At Baguley Hall Primary School, the need for such a program is clear. Headteacher Kate Bulman explained that the breakfast club, which has been running for more than ten years, has become a cornerstone of the school day. 

She described how so many children choose to attend, a strong sign of the demand for a service that goes beyond just food. “It settles them,” she said, “gets them ready for school, and gives them a family experience that some might not have at home.” 

Seeing children sit together, chatting and sharing a meal, is particularly special for her, especially in a community where many families don’t regularly eat together.

“It’s positive on so many levels. Hungry children can’t concentrate, but here, they’re ready for learning.”

A lifeline for families

For parents, the breakfast club provides much-needed support amidst the pressures of modern life. Emma Roff, whose child attends Magic Breakfast every day, explained how invaluable it has been for her as a working parent. 

The program allows her to get to work on time, knowing her child is being looked after and starting the day well-fed. “Sometimes I can’t provide breakfast because of work commitments, so it’s brilliant that it’s offered here,” she said. 

But for Emma, the benefits go beyond nutrition. Her child loves coming to the club, where they have the chance to make friends and socialise before the school day begins. “It creates a great atmosphere,” she added, describing it as a positive and social way to start the day.

Ronette Cloake, who has been running the breakfast club for twenty years, shared similar observations. She described how children begin arriving as early as 7:30 a.m., eager to sit down with friends and enjoy a healthy meal.

“Some children come hungry because they’ve had to leave home quickly,” she said, adding that for others, the club provides a crucial transition between home and the school day. “It helps them settle quicker.”

Over the years, Ronette has seen a significant rise in demand for the breakfast club, reflecting the growing need for such services in the community. Initially, parents would sit with their children during breakfast, but as work commitments grew, the program evolved to accommodate their changing needs.

“We adjusted our opening times because we recognised the demand,” she explained. Now, staff ensure that no child is turned away, even if their parents haven’t pre-booked a spot.

The club also provides flexibility for children who struggle to eat first thing in the morning. Ronette described how bagels or fruit are made available in classrooms for those who need it later. 

And for children who arrive late, a walking bus program ensures they still have access to breakfast—another sign of the school’s commitment to supporting its pupils’ well-being.

The impact in the classroom

Teachers at Baguley Hall Primary School are clear about the academic benefits of Magic Breakfast. Liv Dias-Grundy, a Year 3/4 teacher, explained that for many children, breakfast at school is essential. 

“They come in not knowing whether they’ve had a proper, sustainable breakfast at home,” she said. Without food, it’s almost impossible for them to access the learning content planned for the day. “There’s no way they can get on with tasks if their basic needs aren’t met.”

Liv described how some children might not even realise hunger is the reason they can’t concentrate, which makes the program all the more vital. 

Having a nutritious breakfast removes this barrier, allowing children to focus, learn, and thrive. She has seen firsthand how breakfast can make the difference between a child being ready to learn and falling behind. 

“It’s super, super important,” she stressed, highlighting the positive impact on academic performance and classroom behaviour.

Headteacher Kate Bulman echoed this sentiment, noting that Magic Breakfast is particularly crucial in communities where families face financial or logistical challenges.

With over 500 pupils signed up to attend the breakfast club, the scale of the need is evident.

Kate explained that food insecurity has become increasingly visible, particularly with the rising reliance on food banks across the country. In this context, a program like Magic Breakfast is not just helpful—it’s essential.

A program rooted in community

What sets Magic Breakfast apart is its deep understanding of local needs and its ability to adapt to them.

Ronette Cloake, who has worked in the community for years, described how the breakfast club has become a trusted and valued part of life at Baguley Hall. 

She explained how the program has expanded over time, offering everything from beans on toast to a range of cereals and hot options that children genuinely enjoy. 

“We’ve made changes based on what works best,” she said, adding that leftovers are even welcomed by the children, reflecting how much they appreciate what’s offered.

The club’s benefits extend beyond food. By creating a positive, welcoming space, it helps children develop friendships, confidence, and social skills. 

Ronette believes this sense of community is just as important as the breakfast itself. “It’s wonderful to see such support available,” she said.

Magic Breakfast: a nationwide Mission

While Baguley Hall Primary School is just one example, Magic Breakfast’s reach spans far beyond Manchester. Across the UK, the charity works tirelessly to support schools in tackling child hunger and ensuring all children have access to the most important meal of the day. 

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been raising funds for Magic Breakfast since 2013. An incredible £4.2 million has helped support Magic Breakfast and their vital work ensuring that no child starts their school day too hungry to learn. 

“A nutritious breakfast not only fuels a child’s body but also empowers their mind, unlocking opportunities for success in the classroom and beyond. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery are helping ensure every child has the best possible start to their day and their future.”

Their work is made possible  thanks to funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, as well as individual donors, volunteers, and community advocates.

The need for programs like Magic Breakfast is more urgent than ever. With food insecurity on the rise, families are increasingly relying on services like breakfast clubs to bridge the gap. 

Teachers, parents, and staff at Baguley Hall Primary School are unanimous in their praise for the program, describing it as a lifeline for children and families alike.

A brighter future for every child

For the children at Baguley Hall Primary School, Magic Breakfast is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to start the day with full stomachs, focused minds, and smiling faces. 

For parents, it’s peace of mind. For teachers, it’s the foundation of a productive school day. And for the community, it’s a source of support and hope.

As Ronette Cloake summed up, “It’s extremely valuable and definitely needed.” Magic Breakfast’s work ensures that no child is left behind—one breakfast at a time.

To learn more or to get involved, visit Magic Breakfast’s website today by clicking here