Reimagining Breakfast Club at Panmure District School
At the start of this school year, Panmure District School redesigned its Breakfast Club to better support student participation and engagement.
Their breakfast club traditionally ran from 8:15- 8:30am, but attendance was persistently low. The need within the school was clear, however, the schedule meant many missed out and potentially wasn't providing access to all those who could benefit. Low attendance also meant stored product built up and was often at risk of expiry.
With reliable access to nutrition through KickStart Breakfast, the school found the biggest challenge was not food supply- it was timing and access.
The school team decided to introduce a simple but effective change by shifting timing to 8:55–9:05am during their morning fitness time. Students who wish to have breakfast come to the hall during this time, while the rest of the school participates in fitness activities.
Teachers now provide students with a breakfast pass, a system helps manage numbers and keeps the programme organised and enables the school to monitor product requirements carefully.
To encourage responsibility and student ownership, the school selected students with chronic attendance patterns to become Breakfast Club monitors. These students arrive early to help set up the programme by preparing milk, plates, cups, and Weet-Bix.
Adults prepare the food, while students help organise the space and assist with pack-up. The programme is supervised by teachers from Monday to Thursday, alongside a learning assistant. Members of the Senior Leadership Team support on Fridays and step in on days to cover, ensuring the programme continues to run smoothly.
The response has been extremely positive. On the first day, around 40 students attended, and by the end of the week this increased to around 60 students!
As participation grew, the school invested in additional resources such as plates, dish drainers, and toasters. Currently, around 80 students attend Breakfast Club each day.
Student feedback shows that the programme is highly valued. Senior students shared that they appreciate the breakfast options, especially toast, Weet-Bix, and milk, as it helps them feel full and gives them energy for the morning.
One junior student shared that he enjoys attending Breakfast Club because he no longer has to feel hungry in the morning. Others also value catching up with friends, and the sense of responsibility they enjoy when helping out.
Students are excited to attend Breakfast Club as it provides a positive, settled start to their day. Students who attend feel welcomed, energised, and ready to begin learning.
Breakfast Club also encourages independence. Students pour their own milk, butter their own toast, and clean up afterwards by washing their plates and cups and leaving the area tidy.
The school has also noticed a positive shift in attendance for some students involved in the programme. Some who previously had chronic attendance patterns have begun attending school more regularly since being part of Breakfast Club.
Some have maintained up to four consecutive weeks of regular attendance, either by attending for breakfast or through their leadership roles as monitors. Being part of the programme has given these students a positive reason to come to school each morning.
This simple change in timing, combined with student responsibility and strong staff support, has transformed Breakfast Club into a well-attended and valued part of the school day.
What made the biggest difference?
- Shifting breakfast to a transition time so more tamariki could access it
- Using a simple ticket system to manage numbers and reduce waste
- Creating student monitor roles to build ownership and leadership
- Being clear about roles between adults and students
- Planning early for growth as participation increases
It shows how a committed school team that is willing to adapt, innovate, and keep reviewing routines can make small changes that have a meaningful impact- helping more tamariki start the day nourished, engaged, and ready to learn.