CHILDREN at Johnson Fold Primary School cannot wait to get school in the morning.

For waiting for them will be a deliciously healthy breakfast to ensure they are equipped to start the school day.

And its breakfast club has won an award after being recognised for "stability and success" by Kellog's. The school was awarded £1,500 after judges were impressed with the commitment of staff to the morning sessions.

The breakfast club has been going for 10 years, long before other schools started up such clubs, and thanks to sponsorship it doesn't cost pupils a thing — and it is so popular that there is a waiting list.

The school believes its club is one-of-a-kind and was started to help families cope with morning rush, juggling work commitments with trying to get children to sit and enjoy their breakfast.

And it says, with breakfast being the most important meal of the day, it hopes the club helps to form good enjoyable morning habits as children become older and more independent.

The school has five members of staff who oversee the club to ensure it runs smoothly, but also allows them time to interact with the children.

After finishing their breakfast, pupils can use the computer to play educational games or catch up on work before school starts.

Joanne Willan, assistant headteacher, said: "Children cannot learn to the best of their ability throughout their school day if they are hungry or haven't been provided with the right nutrients and energy at the beginning of the day.

"We encourage children to take part in a variety of activities that promote social interaction, such as board games, working in groups etc."

Beth Best, office administrator, added: "We promote citizenship within the breakfast club by encouraging older children to care and include younger children in the various activities and games they join in with each morning.”

Sponsors of the breakfast club include Greggs, Warburtons and Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, and the school said that the list of benefits is endless.

Children can enjoy toast, cereal porridge and other breakfast foods.

Headteacher Ruth Dean said: “They are ready to start their day, they are relaxed and ready for the day ahead.”

The money given as part of the award – which also included a trip to Parliament for staff and children – will go to developing links with the local community action group to develop an Edible Garden area where produce can be grown within the school grounds and then used in breakfast club. The money will also pay for outdoor play equipment which the children can use after eating their morning meal.

The schools says this would provide an educational experience for the children.

The money will also pay for outdoor play equipment which the children can use after eating their morning meal.

The breakfast club is a hit with Chloe Rothwell, aged 11, and Corey Giles, aged 10 — two of the 40 plus who attend daily.

Corey said: “I feel more relaxed in the morning.

“I can play before school —I most look forward to the toast.”

Chloe added: “I enjoy it going to the club, it is a really good club.”