This week I highlight a DfE consultation on Early Years screen time and usage and confirmation that the free breakfast club rollout continues.

Early Years screen time and usage consultation
The DfE is giving people an opportunity to provide evidence that will inform the development of new parental guidance on screen time and usage for early years (0-5 year-old) children. The consultation will close on 16 February 2026.

Free breakfast club rollout continues
The DfE has announced 500 more schools will offer free breakfast clubs from April, set to benefit over 300,000 children. This forms part of a package of measures the government is pursuing to help families with the cost of living.

From today, schools with at least 40% of pupils eligible for free school meals can also apply to offer free breakfast clubs. 1,500 schools will then be selected for a September 2026 rollout. All schools who are eligible will be contacted directly and must complete an expression of interest form by 20 March.