BREAKFAST clubs face the axe in schools across Powys as a result of changes to how the council funds schools.
From this April it will be down to schools to decide whether they can run the clubs or not.
According to the Welsh Government, schools are obliged to have a school breakfast club if parents ask for one.
And Powys County Council (PCC) education cabinet member, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, has pointed out that schools need to spend their funding “in line with Welsh Government legislation”.
Non-aligned councillor, and PCC anti-poverty champion, Joy Jones said: “This is awful as it is a well-known fact that many children have no breakfast before they go to school which affects a child’s ability to learning.
“It also has an impact on some parents as often this is the only childcare available so that a parent can get to work on time.
“All these cut backs are having a detrimental effect on families and children’s well-being.
“Years ago I worked in breakfast club, so I’m very aware of the importance of this service and the effects it will have on families and children if they no longer have it.”
Liberal Democrat and Green group leader, Cllr James Gibson-Watt said: “This is outrageous.
“Breakfast clubs are hugely important for the nutrition, welfare and educational attainment of many of our most vulnerable young children.
“For this decision to have been made and announced to schools without any opportunity for input, consultation or scrutiny from councillors, parents, teachers or the public beggars belief.
“It also appears that no impact assessment examining the likely consequences of this funding withdrawal has been carried out.”
Labour group leader, Cllr Mathew Dorrance (St Mary’s Brecon), said: “We know that having a healthy breakfast helps to improve children’s health and concentration, which helps them to learn better.
“It’s why Welsh Labour created School Breakfast Clubs in the first place.
“By stopping the funding for these important clubs, the council is taking
a healthy start to the day away from our young people.”
Cllr Myfanwy Alexander said: “While provision of the breakfast is free, parents and carers are expected to contribute to related childcare costs routinely across Wales.
“The fairer funding formula was reviewed earlier this year and while there is no longer a specific line for breakfast clubs, funding is available within the delegated funding.
“In fact, the level of support to Powys schools is increasing by £1 million for the 2019/2020 financial year.”
“It is a decision for the head and governing body to decide how funding is used provided it is spent in-line with Welsh Government legislation.”
For more on cuts to breakfast clubs and a review of the council’s smaller libraries see The Brecon & Radnor Express - on sale from Wednesday, January 30