The Bay CE School in Sandown has recently started a free Breakfast Club, open to all students at the secondary site from 7.30-8.20am every weekday. It is designed to support student well-being, improve concentration and enhance academic achievement.
Approximately 150 children have been attending each day, with 200 attending on a Friday.
On Monday to Thursdays there is toast, fruit, cereals and porridge with lots of toppings to pick from. On Fridays there are also bacon and sausage rolls on offer. Squash and juice is also available each day.
The Flourish project
It was set up as part of the Flourish project based within The Bay C of E School’s primary and secondary sites. Flourish is a national Church of England project which is being piloted in 40 schools across the UK, including two on the Isle of Wight. It aims to link local churches and schools together more effectively.
The Breakfast Club is run by Flourish workers Neil Denley and Chloe Wells, who are based at Christ Church Sandown and The Bay CE School, along with a team of volunteers each morning.
Neil said,
“It’s such a blessing to see so many students coming to the Breakfast Club each morning.
“We believe no child should start their day hungry, and it’s a joy to offer them a warm, welcoming space where they can eat, feel valued, and be set up for a day of learning.
“We give all the glory to God for making this possible — this is exactly what the Church is here to do: to serve, to love, and to bring hope to the heart of the community.”
Free and no need to book
The Breakfast Club is free, there is no need to pre-book, students can just turn up on the day anytime between 7.30am and 8.20am.
The initiative has been made possible through the generous support of local councils and businesses as well as dedicated staff and volunteers from local churches and elsewhere who are committed to making a difference in the lives of young people.
On Tuesday 1st April, the organisers will say thank you to some of its partners, including: Sandown Town Council, Lake Parish Council, Shanklin Town Council, Sandown Rotary Club, Southern Water Community Engagement Team, Morrisons Community Outreach, Lake Cleaning and Catering Supplies, Solent Podiatry, Christ Church Sandown and St Patrick’s C of E Church.
News shared by Karen on behalf of The Bay CE School. Ed
