Toast of the village
Breakfast club is just tasty
Sarah Jane McDonald It’s official – Tarbolton Primary is the place to be for the most important meal of the day, scooping the top title of ‘ Best Breakfast Club in Scotland’.
The school came top of the leader board at the Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards after judges hailed volunteers and staff for setting pupils up for the day since it began two years ago.
The popular breakfast club has allowed parents to ensure their children enjoy a hearty breakfast and the benefits have been evident as concentration levels are up, pupils have much more energy and are gaining independence through learning how to prepare a meal.
Staff and pupils were invited to London over the weekend to attend a glittering awards ceremony at the Palace of Westminster, collecting the top cash prize of £ 1,500.
On their success, head teacher Jacqueline Blair said: “I can see a real difference in the children who attend the club, they have grown in confidence are able to concentrate for longer and have made new friends too.
“Staff all work really hard to ensure the breakfast club happens each day so I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.”
Scott Hume, 10, who attends the breakfast club and is in Primary 6, said: “The club means mum can leave for work on time and I can eat cereal and talk to my friends before school starts, I am so excited to go to London, it’s great news to hear that we are getting more money to help the breakfast club.”
Milo Wylie, aged 6, who is in Primary 2, said: “I like toast and I enjoy making it myself, we all help once breakfast is finished, I am so excited to go on the train to London, I will be too excited to sleep.”
The school will use the prize money to help ensure the club remains free. A new oven could also be bought to help keep those breakfasts coming.
Councillor Margaret Toner added: “I am so happy Tarbolton Primary has picked up this prestigious award, the school has bent over backwards to keep the club going while a new school is being built and I am glad this has been recognised by Kellogg’s.
“The children are much more engaged when they get to class and parents are able to leave for work on time so it’s a win win situation.
“We h a v e o t h e r breakfast clubs who also do a fantastic job but for Kellogg’s Tarbolton primary stood out from the crowd, congratulations to everyone at the school.”
MP for Central Ayrshire Dr Philippa Whitford attended the prizegiving, and said: “I was delighted to attend today’s ceremony and see the teachers and pupils receive their award. The ‘ Best Breakfast Club in Scotland’ - what a fantastic achievement!
“Having only been established three years ago, the club has already become a well- established part of the school day, benefitting parents as well as pupils.
“As well as providing those who attend with a healthy breakfast, equipping the children for the school day ahead, the club also helps to build important life skills such as confidence and punctuality.
“Huge congratulations go to all those involved.”