After generous support from Tally Ho!, Thurlestone All Saints Church of England Primary School held the official opening of their Breakfast Club this week.

The Club is run by Meg Wood and Rachel Elliott, two teaching assistants at the school, who filled the tables with delicious pastries and refreshments provided by Salcombe Bake House, for the children and supporters of the venture.

It is the great “partnership” between the school and Tally Ho! that has made this venture possible explained Don McIntosh who jointly brought Tally Ho! back in 2008 and Steve Bulmer, Director of Operations for the Learning Academy Partnership.

Last year, the local authorities were unable to continue funding the bus which transported children from Kingsbridge to Thurlestone Primary, despite their committed efforts in previous years.

Don explained that this resulted in the predicted closure of the bus service that had allowed these children to get to school, providing difficulties for the school and parents.

However, with creative thinking, the idea of a Breakfast Club came about. Tally Ho! offered to run a service for the children and the income made from that service would go towards the Breakfast Club.

This would allow the children to get to school earlier, at around 8.30am and provide a funded club that could cater for the children and provide a great start to the day.

The initiative started this year and is proving very successful with many children also attending the club who do not catch the bus, allowing parents to keep to more flexible working hours.

“It is a very responsible thing for the children to get the bus at that age, which makes the Breakfast Club a really important part of their school day,” said Don. “They all battle to get the biggest croissant and help clear up, which makes the club a great start to the school day.”

Children of all ages come to the club, from reception to year six which all attendees agreed was a great way for the children to get to know their peers.

Emma Bone, the Executive Head for Warberry Church of England Academy explained how the Club provides a great sense of community feeling and allows the children the chance to start the day with a full tummy.

“What makes this Club unique is that Tally Ho! have supported this,” said Mrs Bone. Without their funding, the club would not exist, children from Kingsbridge would not be able to catch the bus to school and working parents would not be able to drop their children off early.

Mr Bulmer seconded these views, stating that: “When the problem arose we had to think creatively which is where Tally Ho! stepped in, making it so much easier for parents and children.”

Mr Bulmer and Don from Tally Ho! discussed the longstanding relationship that Tally Ho! has had with Thurlestone school. “We now know Thurlestone school better than many others because of this relationship, which is something we would really like to continue,” said Don.

“If you can fund something through income, what better venture to put your money towards,” said Don. “Here the children can get to school safely, enjoy breakfast together and have a great start to the school day at the same time as relieving the stress from parents.”

Rev Daniel Hartley came to support the event and assist the school during their Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools inspection day which assesses how distinctive and effective the school is as a church school.