School’s free breakfast to be featured on TV

A LEEDS school’s efforts to ensure its students get the best start to the working day by dishing up breakfast for all its pupils will be highlighted in a television programme warning of the growing problem of malnutrition in inner cities.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Feb 2013, 01:00 BST

Eating breakfast is compulsory for every one of the 1,050 students at the David Young Community Academy in Seacroft where staff believe it also helps them benefit from improved learning and behaviour.

The scheme, which is thought to be unique, features in the BBC’s Inside Out programme tonight which reveals how communities are dealing with the issue which, figures provided by the NHS Community Healthcare Trust show, affects around 23,000 people in Leeds.

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The free breakfasts represents an investment of £38,000.00 a year by the school and DYCA principal Ros McMullen said it is money well spent. “Concentration levels improve dramatically and it sets the scene for the school day,” she adds.

“Eating together in a family style environment has improved relationships and behaviour and the students’ understanding of the importance of eating good food.”

The BBC interviewed students during breakfast, which is served with military precision over four sittings between 8.55am and 10.30am.

Inside Out is on BBC One Yorkshire at 7.30pm and will also be available on the BBC iPlayer

Related topics:LeedsBBCYorkshire