The Samworth Church Academy has joined the National School Breakfast Programme to provide children with a healthy breakfast at the start of the school day.

The breakfast, funded by the Department for Education and delivered by Family Action, supports schools to offer learners bagels and a variety of cereals.

The principal at the Mansfield school, Lisa McVeigh, said: “We are excited to be part of the National School Breakfast Programme. It clearly aligns with our ongoing emphasis on the importance and enjoyment of good food as part of our vision for ‘70 or more great years’ after our students leave us.

“We hope it will lead to more students eating a nutritious breakfast with us and also impact on their readiness to learn and get the most out of each school day.”

Student Monika Kwiatkowski, who is in year 8, added: “I have been having a free bagel in the mornings. I think it’s a good idea.

“Mornings can be a rush, particularly if you live far away from school, and it takes you a while to get here.

“The free breakfast offer allows you to have something to eat when you arrive.

“As it is free, it will be a help to lots of people who are having to find money for breakfasts and school dinners throughout the week.”