Healthy Breakfast For Young Minds

A study concluded that children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to do well in the end of primary school assessments that those who do not.

16:29 19 November 2015

A recent study has established a link between eating a healthy breakfast and educational attainment.

 

The study, which was conducted by researchers from the Cardiff University, concluded that children who eat a healthy breakfast do well in school compared to those who do not.

 

The researchers asked 5,000 11-years-old to list what they ate in 24 hours. The study involved more than 100 primary schools in Wales and built on research started 10 years ago.

 

Kevin Davies, acting head of Ysgol y Wern Primary School in Ystalyfera, said it was obvious to teachers which pupils had not had a morning meal.

 

"By around 10am they start flagging. It has an effect on behaviour and concentration - some even fall asleep.

 

"So we have, in the past, taken them down to the kitchen to make sure they have something to keep them going until lunchtime."

 

"It's clear to us that those who come to our breakfast club and have the balance of foods they need are more attentive and keen to complete their work and that persists throughout the day."

 

Co-author Dr Graham Moore said the data provided "robust evidence of a link between eating breakfast and doing well at school".