Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club Review 2005

BREAKFAST CLUB REVIEW 2005

“It’s a safe place - and no-one feels

threatened by achievement”

it.

That’s

some

[Committee member]

Coinneach Shanks March 2005

1

Breakfast Club Review 2005

1. Objectives of the Review The aim of this review is to examine three areas




Review the recommendations of the previous report Assess changes and outstanding (unimplemented) recommendations Review possible changes within the constraints of the aims and objectives of the Breakfast Club itself. In particular, opportunities for development will be considered

2. General Aims It is necessary to repeat the general aims of the Breakfast Club. The Breakfast Club was set up in January 2001, and since then has provided breakfast for a number of children in Area D. The Breakfast Club aims to provide breakfast for up to 50 Children in Area D. The breakfast will be nutritious and attractive enough to children such that they will eat it. It will be served during term time on five mornings per week between the times of 08.00 and 08.45 am. Breakfast will consist of the following: Cereal, Milk, Sugar, Fruit Juice, Yogurt, Fruit, Bread, Butter or Spread, Jam, Marmalade or other Spread. The basic objectives of the Before Schools (Breakfast) Club are: • To respond to the basic need for adequate nourishment that every child has • To provide nutritious food for children who need it in a respectful and caring way that does not cause stigmatization or alienation for the child or his family • To create a provision that will have a positive impact on children’s learning, health and social skills. The expected outcomes and impact of this service are:
Improvement in the nutrition levels of children in the catchment area.
Improvement of punctuality and attendance levels in school
Improvement in children’s attention and concentration levels
Reduction or elimination of children’s junk food consumption en route to school
Development of children’s mealtime social skills This will be achieved through provision of a welcoming, relaxing and calm space in which positive social interaction will be encouraged. It is intended that the opportunity to relax and socialise, will allow children to continue to class in a positive frame of mind. It is intended that the nutritional and health aspect of the club will achieve goodness of fit with the Social Personal and Health Education Programme. 3. The previous review revisited The previous review examined the Breakfast Club on the basis of choice voice, access and accountability. The current review has a more targeted scope, examining the further development of the Club, change of venue, improvements and scope for development. Furthermore, it examines the possible constraints on achieving the development potential inherent in the club itself - as it is now. The points from the previous review are compared with the present.

2

Breakfast Club Review 2005

1. The initial report began by locating the Breakfast Club within government policy, stressing the quality of the future work force and standards of living. It emphasised that a poor start to the day means a loss in education benefit and a consequent waste of community resources. This (state level) policy remains unchanged. 2. The initial report set the context of the examination within the disadvantaged localities, which the Club served. The area was typified by social and economic disadvantage. The area served was marked by a lack of open space, urban decay, unemployment, a high incidence of lone parents families, drug problems and so on. The decanting of the residents in the local estate may have demographic implications for the project. The current review identifies different children characteristics resulting form a cohort change. Staff members report that children are quieter, more courteous and more self-resilient. 3. The initial report stressed the background of children coming to school without adequate nutrition and the resulting negative impact on school performance. The Breakfast Club was therefore conceived as part of a community development strategy in the area. There is no change in the current period. 4. The report described the project as one of high energy. In the Community premises, children were served a continental breakfast of cereals, juice and spreads on four weekdays. A cooked breakfast was served on a Friday. The children were enthusiastic and well behaved in an atmosphere of excitement. The current review identified a change from the previous position. Children’s “acting out” is much reduced in the current system. 5. The initial review reported that children brought themselves to the Club and departed for school later, unescorted by parents. The current review identifies a change in that some parents like the children to return home prior to going to school. Whilst anecdotal evidence suggests that some attendees ultimately do not get to school, only one child in this category could be identified. And although some Committee members would prefer children to go directly to school from the Club, it appears that there is parental pressure in this regard. Parent choice appears to be determining this situation. 6. The initial report stressed the voluntary help involved in preparation and serving of meals and talking to the children. The activities mounted in the old club have of necessity reduced given the layout and design of the new premises. There is evidence that some volunteers feel somewhat excluded from the Club, given differences in approach and it may be that the voluntary role is unclear. 7. The initial report identified a high level of access for children and parents in the area, in terms of the universal approach and proximity of the Club. But it was noted that the location had difficulties of perceived safety arising from its position in the grounds of the building and the obvious road safety concerns. The position and frontage of the new premises has reduced these difficulties significantly.

3

Breakfast Club Review 2005

8. The initial report noted that there was no equivalent service within the locality. As such, the Breakfast Club was extending choice to the citizens of the localities served. This review notes that the provision of after schools services by alternative agencies has coordinated services well. The initial report noted that that the level of choice for children within the project. It was felt that they influenced the food available. This review notes that in order to achieve balance and maintain congruent with good practice developments, staff introduced a new menu, taking into account diet and health objectives. Although some choice is still available, sugar is reduced and waste eliminated. The practice of taking food away is almost eliminated. However, “healthy eating” policies have gained more ground since the initial review – a change that current practice reflects. 9. The initial report notes a comparative absence of the parents’ voice in participating in the project. The report suggested that this is due to the collective lack of confidence in the localities involved. The report noted that parents expressed views through the Breakfast Club part time worker. The current review notes that this continues. 10. The initial report notes that accountability was expressed through the committee, which features a fairly low rate of community participation. This review notes that community development workers maintained “stewardship” of the project. The report noted the appointment of a worker who is organic to the locality and suggested that the worker attends the committee. This review welcomes the addition of another member of staff who is also organic to the locality. The review notes that there continues to be little involvement of staff in the committee. 11. The initial report examined the management and operational structure of the Breakfast Club. It noted excellent use of scarce resources and drew attention to the way in which the locality’s organisations worked together to serve the community. The current review notes that this remains unchanged. The existence of a mixed funding profile continues. Work entailed in funding applications and report-back procedures is considered to have grown in volume. 12. The initial report recognised that lack of time in the morning constrains the type and breadth of possible activities and the current review shows that this has not changed. However the addition of a new staff member, and improvements to spatial design of the Club represent a social and role-modelling development. 13. The initial report considered that children numbers were not high enough to make firm statements concerning education impact in attendance, punctuality, behaviour and performance. The report suggested that the Club could make an assessment of children’s improvements. This remains a problem. Research to establish general improvement is outside the financial scope of the Club. 14. The initial report found that the target group was represented within the universal provision of the Club. The report identified a judicious mix in age, gender and socio

4

Breakfast Club Review 2005

economic group, which proved beneficial for all participants. The current attendees are congruent with the target group. Female-male disproportion reflects area demographics. 15. The initial report expressed concern about the lack of a roll, indicating who was on the premises. It suggested that this safety measure was introduced. The current review notes that this is now carried out through numbers. Staff members also monitor children when they use toilet facilities. 16. The initial report offered ideas for the development of the Club. The initial suggestion that the Club provide an after school café is fulfilled by the Family Centre through coordination and common staff. The initial report proposed a stand-alone committee and 2 (f.t.e.) additional operational staff. This has been partially accomplished by the addition of one part time member of staff and the arrangement whereby staff members are working across two employers and locations. Display 1:

Recommendations and Subsequent Implementation

No 1

Recommendation Improvement of social and environmental facilities

2

Democratic child involvement through play

3 3b 4

Ex officio Involvement of staff in Committee Training for members of staff Retention of food, diet and nutrition structure

5 6 7

Addition of one part time member of staff Promote involvement in a city-wide Club impact study Part time co-ordinator to meet with school staff

8

Retention of target group within a judicious mix

9

Provision of after-school cafe

10

Freestanding Committee

11

Establish Children Panel for suggestions and complaints

Implementation Complete. New custom built premises with on-street frontage No – time constraints limit initiatives No No Staff-initiated policy change in line with Breakfast Club Movement-based change in good practice. Waste eliminated Yes. Very successful No. Resource constraints Yes – informal liaison. System also checked through new member of staff Yes – but modified by citysponsored environmental change (urban renewal) Demographic change Cohort change Yes – through coordination with other agencies. Family Centre. Common staff. Yes – informal. Community involvement remains low No – time constraints limit but children’s development operating at the informal level

5

Breakfast Club Review 2005

The initial report acknowledged the work and commitment that made the club a success and stressed the opportunities for development. Some development opportunities remain outstanding but are limited by time constraints related to the club duration/time of day.

4. Observations The two review visits to the Breakfast Club reveal the following issues, which must be explored in conjunction with the group workshop and the staff interview/s. The issues of target group, numbers and “goodness of fit” with the locality will be dealt with later in this report. The new centre offers resolution of old issues and generates new problems and opportunities. A: The following successes are apparent
The new centre offers a cafeteria environment in which efficiency in meal delivery is achievable
The consolidated experience of the staff contributes to the efficiency of delivery
Delivery style offers role modelling in socialisation of meal behaviour, table manners, extension of choice
Waste has been eliminated
Diet is improved: fruit (oranges) and Weetabix are much in demand.
Children are more effectively involved in mealtime behaviour and show a willingness to assist B: The following problems arise
Reduction in opportunity for volunteer participation.
Some reduction in opportunity for education development in creativity, literacy and numeracy development
Shared facilities reduce possible ownership by the children
Shared facilities are more institutional than the previous venue
Children continue to reject certain diet objectives
Current level of staff development is considerable, but not ongoing C:







The following opportunities arise: Encouraging the children to acknowledge the shared environment Encouraging the children to make the cafeteria their own. Explore how development can occur in the limited time Changing the time period such that the children are effectively and developmentally “captured” Explore improvements in staff training such that developmental issues are foregrounded Explore the further consolidation of staff members who are organic to the community

6

Breakfast Club Review 2005

Display 2: Category

Efficiency

Development

Diet

Training and Community Development

Analysis of interviews and discussion group Positive Socialisation into the adult world
It’s something definite and dependable
More sitting down in an ordered space
We have a set table and when the kids come in they are asked what they want
They appreciate the place more since they look after it
Efficiency leaves space for other things to happen
The kids need their routine, stability New set up is development
It’s about giving kids encouragement to help themselves when home
Now they read books round the side
Kids encouraged to talk about current events
Kids have asked to play football – need a pilot to check it out
Children sit with others whom they would not normally avoid Portion control reduces sugar intake and waste
They don’t need all that sugar and cereal
Sorted problem of kids going to school covered in chocolate spread
Sorted problem of kids leaving with food
Used to go to school eating stuff from shops. That’s stopped. Two workers organic to locality
Resource to whole community

Negative Volunteers feel excluded
I was standing around and talking to the children a bit but I felt in the way
Felt uncomfortable unwanted
Loss of experience Reduced development
They are finished to soon before 8:30
Children should be involved in self development Other
Blamed once for kids lateness for school (proved untrue) Limited time period available
We are expecting too much of the club
Too many pressures on the kids
Perhaps not possible in the time Shared space problematic
We were doing art stuff but we haven’t the space
Its hard to personalise the (shared) space Children still won’t eat some foods
Kids would eat yoghurt but only the expensive petit blues.
Children have limited diet in their own homes

Changes Volunteers feel excluded
Identify resentments,
Re-consider and clarify volunteer roles
What should a volunteer bring to the club – energy, recognition, things from “the outside world”, role-modelling Development
Change time to later
Arrange for parents to pick up later
Children to come to club, ready for school
Appoint specific development worker Some areas possible
Develop current staff practice of kid’s poetry, talk about news, gossip about lives
Bring older children in to help (like some other B.C.s)
Anti-racism initiative
Mark seasons using posters
Introduce pilot kickabout Diet policies






Formal training absent
Lack of enthusiasm?

Examine food question and look at good practice elsewhere Introduce nutritious substitutes if possible Small portions of fruit

Training
Locate course, basic child development
Encourage continuing staff development. Identify needs and implement

7

Breakfast Club Review 2005

6. Summary of key areas The pertinent issues currently circulate around three key areas. Firstly the relationship between breakfast club efficiency and children development must be balanced. Secondly, the diet considerations must be brought in line with best practice. Thirdly, the community development objective of training for wider participation must be consolidated. So let’s have an in-depth look at the key areas. a. Development The review recognises the limited time available for development work and agrees with the staff position that cafeteria-style eating is socially beneficial for the children participating. Some development work is integrated into the cafeteria environment, whilst fulfilling the social objectives of the Breakfast Club. The provision of a nutritious meal to the correct target group is taking place. The developmental activities may be more adequately catered for in the afterschools club. It appears that many of the children go to the both clubs. The applied research that has taken place in this area is primarily concentrated in the UK, particularly Scotland. Many of the same problems have been identified. A key issue identified in this research into breakfast and homework clubs is the problem of children being away from the home for lengthy period of the day. The question of parental responsibility and training therefore arises. Encouragement of parental involvement in the breakfast club should be tackled, since parents also need to develop parenting skills. At the same time, the carefully cultivated relationship between children and workers must not be threatened. The safety and comfort of the children in a non-threatening environment is considered paramount. The need for development is recognised as a main concern of the committee. It would therefore be useful to consider development methods that sit well with the children in the holding environment. Posters that match school curriculum may be considered without risking the children’s ownership of the space. The question of club-school matching on learning areas should however be considered carefully. Perhaps the children like the non-school space simply because it is neither school nor home. The consultant strongly recommends a small survey of the children to hear their voice. This can be carried out simply and without undue fuss. It is a development exercise in itself, which promotes autonomy and independence. The single request that has come from the children – space to kick a football around - should be taken seriously as an authentic, unprompted voice. This would reclaim activity from the street outside the school and draw it back to the Breakfast Club. The children will also feel listened to. The consultant therefore strongly supports the staff proposal for a pilot sports period. This should be held under supervision since there are obvious safety implications. b. Diet Diet considerations are always difficult where children are unused to a balanced diet at home. Attaining the balance between what they should eat and what they want to eat is always difficult. Staff members state that diet change was launched following closure and reopening of the Club. The new cohort had no familiarity with the old diet and was therefore more amenable to the 8

Breakfast Club Review 2005

system. Implementing change with an existing group is going to be difficult. However, children are requesting oranges and Weetabix is the most popular Consumption of vitamin C and roughage has therefore risen. The consultant recommends a political attitude to food. I will use the banana, much mentioned in the committee workshop, as an example. Where does a banana come from? Who picks it? How do plantation workers live? How much money do they make? How does the banana get here and how is it distributed? What do we pay for a banana? What are the many ways of eating and cooking a banana? This doesn’t have to be a lecture, but can be introduced conversationally combined with posters or colourful leaflets. Children are reported as willing to discuss crucial matters in the news (e.g. what happens when disasters like a tsunami halt crop production?). This presents an opportunity to raise awareness of others, other cultures and the relationship between rich and poor nations. The provision of chilled drinking water in Breakfast Clubs is becoming mandatory in the UK. This is also a health development introduction to prevent dehydration. Additionally, I am aware that in the new centre, that the water supply can be cut off without warning. This is a health and safety consideration that must be addressed without delay. In theory, if there is no water the cafeteria cannot open - or should close until the supply is restored. c. Volunteers The question of volunteers took much space at our workshop. The efficient control of mealtimes fulfils the main objective criteria of the Club. However the culture of the new venue is felt to be excluding by more than one committee member. Streamlining has reduced the need for volunteers and the helping role is unclear. There is little option here but to enter into a discussion with workers and perhaps allow the workers to recruit, train and manage volunteers. This will provide the Club with continuity should one or both workers get jobs elsewhere in the community sector. Since the staff members have taken the lead on club protocols, they should be offered an opportunity to lead on the volunteer question. This will also help to clarify roles. It must be noted (broadly) that volunteer activity can be erratic and that is unlikely to change. d. Time periods There are several difficulties here, which are associated with available time in the morning. Some children arrive early, some in groups, some late. The consultant recommends that no matter what time is selected, the children’s needs come first. Staff members report that some children from difficult home backgrounds are getting themselves up, dressed and out of the house themselves. The doors should therefore be open for as wide a time period as possible in order to provide a safe environment for those children. The supervisor drives an “at risk” (previous) student to secondary school on a voluntary basis. The time period between the club closing and the school opening is problematic. It appears that some parents have got into the habit of expecting children to return home rather than going straight to school. Although suspicions that some children never reach the school cannot be confirmed, such a practice would defeat the object of the Club. The option of a later closure for

9

Breakfast Club Review 2005

the Club and escorts to school could be considered. Additionally, the introduction of a period of physical exercise may help fill this gap. e. Training The question of training is an unimplemented recommendation from the previous review. Since one staff member also works at the Family Centre, it may be worthwhile to discuss a joint initiative. Information from another agency with which I work, indicates that training in child development is useful to residents of the inner city who are helping with after-schools projects. The workshop was concerned that there might be lack of enthusiasm from the staff. This may have arisen because both members of staff have already undertaken considerable training. However, training and development needs to be ongoing. Existing “in-house” skills are as follows:








Child Care Child Psychology Child Protection Social Care Practice Special Needs Provision Health and Hygiene First Aid

The Breakfast Club staff members are of high quality and have considerable experience of children. They certainly have the ability to undertake additional training, which may be available at further and higher levels. I want to re-emphasise that the involvement of the staff in committee work may also contribute to training objectives. Meeting protocols, including agenda setting and minute-taking is an input into the community. Staff members could be encouraged to make regular report backs and to bring their ideas to the committee. This would also allow for exploration of problem areas such as the voluntary role in the club, discussed above. f. Target Group Target group penetration, discussed at length in the workshop, remains an outstanding issue. Outreach work may secure additional children including those from immigrant groups. However, the club currently caters for between 20 and 40 children. The Club may not have the capacity to increase participation in the current venue, without expanding into the sports area behind the cafeteria. However, the children now attending the centre reflect the disadvantaged population of the locality. Discussions with children on site, reveals that the target group is correct. The social mix in the club is important. Introduction of children from different ethnic backgrounds makes an important statement in combating racism. There is an opportunity for children to learn from each other – offering development in tolerance acceptance and understanding. The consultant recommends an approach to ethnic community leaders rather than a direct approach to the parents. The extension of Club Membership to ethnic groups may help to reduce marginalisation. I am sure that an approach and invitation will be much welcomed. Staff training may be necessary in this regard.

10

Breakfast Club Review 2005

g. Outcomes The question of outcomes (beyond throughput) is difficult to establish. The key staff member does liaise with schools, however and thus has anecdotal evidence of improvements. It is the view of the consultant that measurement of such indicators as class performance and concentration, would be outside the scope of the clubs resources. The previous review suggested that impact be measured at the wider level in conjunction with the Breakfast Club movement as a whole. The workshop noted that teachers, especially head teachers, remain unhelpful in measuring impact. Nevertheless, some pressure needs to be exerted such that all school staff recognise the value of the Breakfast Club. Initiative in noticing improvement or deterioration should be encouraged. Although in general, the education sector is notoriously weak in information sharing, the problems of vulnerable children should be communicated confidentially to the Breakfast Club. At Club level however it would still be useful to have some idea of improvements. I suggest that the two staff members carry out a monthly review of all children attending. This should be no more than a brief notation to give an idea of progress and to offer a focus on individual needs. 7. Conclusion The Breakfast Club is a successful initiative that deserves recognition and permanent funding. Through early morning provision, the Club continues to extend labour market opportunities to a disadvantaged community (in that children are more likely to benefit from school). The move to new premises has been handled well and marks a new period in the clubs history. Naturally some issues have arisen, but these can be tackled without difficulty. I am advising that we do not dwell too much on the problems, especially since the literature reveals that the problems are common across the movement. The successes as follows, are clear. Successes 1. Accurate pick-up of target group 2. Diet-conscious provision of breakfast 3. Change in children attitudes to diet 4. Efficient club with clear boundaries 5. Provision of a safe space for children in the morning 6. Accessible, approachable and experienced staff 7. Accessible, visible premises 8. Good “arms-length” management 9. Community recognition 10. Good community links and networking There is room for improvement in some areas – particularly integrated, organic development. Children are already beginning to discuss current affairs. This suggests that their natural curiosity may be the key to development. Within the limited time period available, this may be the best way forward. It may be important for the children that they don’t experience learning as an “add-

11

Breakfast Club Review 2005

on” at breakfast. In other words, they don’t want to see the joins! Their social milieu is important to them and is in itself developmental. In addition to learning about boundaries, topics such as food, diet, health and social behaviour represent clear choices for development. These have a goodness of fit with the key objectives of the Club. Goodness of fit with parents should also be encouraged. Parents may be sensitive to any mention of disadvantage. The question of volunteers also requires careful handling. Although volunteers are welcome, the current system does not offer a specific role for volunteers. Attention should therefore be paid to volunteer roles and role modelling. The review confirms that important objectives are already being met. Limited modification may be possible, so long as this does not interfere with the maintenance of existing achievements and standards. Modifications should be introduced singly such that they may be assessed.

May 2005

12