14 Feb 2023
When Charleston Academy in Inverness approached us for support to introduce breakfast provision for pupils we were happy to help.
All 140 S1 pupils can now help themselves to wholemeal toast, yoghurt, fresh fruit and cereal bars and can take two different items. It is hoped that the breakfast offer can be rolled out to the entire school later this year if the pilot is successful and further funding is secured.
Teacher and Breakfast Co-Ordinator, Derek Sawyer, who worked on the project with some of the senior pupils, said: “There are proven links between nutrition and attainment, and we want to ensure that every pupil starts the day well-nourished and in the best position to able to concentrate on lessons.
“The school day starts at 8.50am with the first break not until 11.20am, so if pupils come to school without breakfast there can be a real drop in focus and at times deterioration in behaviour.
“We have a diverse catchment area, from both the city to rural areas and pupils can miss breakfast for a variety of reasons. This provision ensures that need no longer be the case.”
We have been so impressed by the scheme that it is now our chosen charity for 2023 and will benefit from on-going fund-raising events we carry out.
Robertson Homes Commercial Manager North, Neil MacKinlay, said: “Supporting our young children in this way seems such a positive idea that we have chosen the Charleston Academy Breakfast Club as our charity of the year in the North.
“Starting the day well-nourished is so important on many levels and we are pleased so many of the first-year pupils are taking advantage of this great idea.”
Derek said: “We have the support of the school’s Parent Council and in the future, we could utilise our annual sponsored walk using some of the money raised to contribute to this provision.
“But we will also need the support of the community and we are hugely grateful to Robertson Homes for their support which has helped the club get off the ground. We would love other local companies to follow their progressive and generous lead.”
