Pupils at Repton Prep School in Milton are set to raise valuable funds for the Derby Breakfast Club as part of World Book Day.
The theme for pupils aged 13 and under next week will be a book called ‘It’s A No Money Day’ – written and illustrated by award-winning author Kate Milner – which is a gentle, poignant and powerful exploration of foodbanks and life for families who live below the poverty line.
Traditionally for World Book Day, Repton Prep pupils are asked to make a costume that transforms them into a character from their favourite book
Instead, this year, they are going to make donations to Derby Breakfast Club – the innovative local charity which supports schools across the city to provide funded breakfasts for vulnerable school children who would otherwise go hungry.
Repton Prep’s Deputy Head, Mrs Samantha Krbaceivc, said: “The Repton Prep community is delighted to use an important day in the school calendar – World Book Day – to support those in our local area who are facing real hardship this winter.
“Having a nourishing meal at the start of every day prepares children to learn and we are determined to support The Derby Breakfast Club in bringing that basic human right to children in neighbouring villages and towns.”
Derby businesswoman Kavita Oberoi OBE has been the driving force behind Derby Breakfast Club which now supports pupils at 10% of the city’s schools with a healthy meal to start the working day.
She said: “Food poverty is a sad fact of life for far too many families in our city who are bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis.
“Derby Breakfast Club is therefore more important than ever to ensure that children don’t start the school day hungry.
“Providing school children with a healthy breakfast every day has been linked with higher attainment, more focus and a better overall educational experience.
“We are therefore very grateful to the staff, pupils and families at Repton Prep who have recognised the challenges that others less fortunate face and have done something positive to help change young lives for the better.”
Mrs Oberoi continued: “The schools involved in the Breakfast Club scheme are really making a positive difference to children in some of our most deprived communities, but this can only be achieved with the support of local businesses.
“Feeding one school pupil for the year costs just £15 or businesses can support an entire school club. This is just what Smith Partnership solicitors do with Firs Estate school where 130 pupils are served breakfast before the school day.”
Other businesses and individuals can contact Mrs Oberoi for more details on how to sponsor a school by calling her office on 01332 224251.