Arch Insurance International has launched a new partnership with Magic Breakfast and the National Literacy Trust aimed at addressing educational inequality in the UK.
The initiative, called Breakfast Bookstars, focuses on improving access to nutritious breakfasts and literacy resources for primary school children in financially disadvantaged areas.
Educational disparities remain a pressing issue in the UK, with children from low-income areas finishing primary school an average of 19 months behind their peers. Data highlights that 1 in 7 primary schools in England lack a library, a figure that rises to 1 in 4 in disadvantaged areas.
Furthermore, the data also revealed that 20% of UK children live in food-insecure households, making it difficult for them to begin the school day ready to learn.
The Breakfast Bookstars programme aims to provide 7,000 children annually with breakfast, books, and support services. Initially, it will focus on 25 primary schools across London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The initiative includes the installation of libraries and reading spaces to promote literacy and provide resources to schools that lack them.
Arch Insurance said that its employees will actively participate in the programme through initiatives such as Aspiration Days, school visits with authors, and assisting in setting up libraries.
The programme also aligns with the National Literacy Trust’s Libraries for Primaries campaign and Magic Breakfast’s efforts to combat child hunger in schools across England and Scotland.
Hugh Sturgess, CEO of Arch Insurance International, described the programme as a way to address educational inequality and support children in achieving their potential.
“Through this partnership with Magic Breakfast and the National Literacy Trust, we want to provide children, regardless of their socio-economic background, with equal opportunities to achieve their potential and realise their ambitions,” Sturgess said.
Jonathan Douglas, CEO of the National Literacy Trust, stated that one in seven state primary schools in the UK do not have a library, impacting 750,000 children.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Arch Insurance International to deliver our Libraries for Primaries programme to 25 primary schools located in some of the most disadvantaged communities across London, Manchester and Birmingham,” Douglas said.
Liz Little (pictured above), head of corporate partnerships at Magic Breakfast, highlighted the impact of hunger on learning, noting that nearly 20% of children start their day too hungry to engage effectively.
“With almost 1 in 5 children and young people at risk of starting their day too hungry to learn, we know that a nutritious breakfast helps to enable pupils to unlock their potential, reach for the stars and thrive,” Little said.
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