A primary school in Morecambe has launched a community-led initiative to promote healthy eating and literacy, creating a nurturing start to the school day for pupils and families.
Sandylands Primary School, located on Hampton Road, recently trialled its ‘Book and Breakfast Week’, combining nutritious morning meals with quiet reading time in a calm, communal setting.
Head teacher Allison Hickson and head cook Sue Varey developed the idea after missing out on government funding for a free breakfast club scheme. Instead of waiting for official support, the school took matters into its own hands, aligning the initiative with its ethos of community, well-being, and inclusivity.
A Nourishing Start to the Day
Each morning, between 50 and 70 families participated in the trial, enjoying a menu featuring fruit platters, crumpets, beans on toast, bagels with cream cheese, boiled eggs, and pancakes with berries. The school also encouraged a sociable yet relaxed atmosphere, where children could read quietly with their peers, supported by volunteer teachers and teaching assistants.
Adding to the experience, the school’s enthusiastic mascot, Sammy the Seal, was on hand to encourage engagement and interaction.
“We were initially disappointed to miss out on government trial funding,” said Mrs Hickson, “but it only made us more determined to do something ourselves. The constant presence of fast food in everyday life means we have a responsibility to help children develop healthy eating habits and a love for learning.
“By pairing a nutritious breakfast with supported reading, we’ve created a space that nurtures both body and mind, reinforcing Sandylands’ welcoming and inclusive culture. It’s about giving children the opportunity to relax, read, and socialise in a warm, community-driven environment.”
Building on Success
The success of ‘Book and Breakfast Week’ has led the school to explore ways to make it a regular fixture, despite the lack of external funding. Plans include weekly Friday breakfast sessions and even a pop-up food shack offering healthy after-school takeaways, reinforcing the importance of family meals and conversation.
Mrs Hickson expressed gratitude for the generosity of staff, parents, and donors, whose contributions helped bring the idea to life.
“The feedback has been fantastic, not just in terms of clean plates, but in children’s engagement, confidence, and behaviour. This initiative has shown what a little creativity and community effort can achieve. There’s more to come—so watch this space. It could be a real page-turner!”