A third of parents (32%) who send their children to school breakfast clubs do so on three or four days a week – with 14% utilising the scheme every school day, research has revealed.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that, of the parents who do make use of breakfast clubs, 36% drop their youngsters off for their morning meal at school once or twice weekly.

But 55% say their kids are attending the morning club more often now than they were a year ago – as 18% of mums and dads admit their little ones don't always eat breakfast.

And a separate survey, of 745 teachers, also found that three in ten (29%) bring food into class each day – just in case they spot that a student hasn't eaten.

The research was commissioned by Kellogg's, and found that some of the top reasons for needing to use breakfast clubs include not having enough time in the morning (16%) – as half of parents (51%) need to get to work early.

But 17% blame stretched family budgets – while the same number believe that the food provided at breakfast clubs is simply “better” than what they could offer at home.

In light of the findings, Kellogg's is offering schools across the UK grants of £1,000, to invest in any aspect of their breakfast clubs – including equipment, food, and learning materials.

Heather Murphy, Kellogg’s breakfast club manager, said: “As we enter the colder months, sadly many parents will be worrying about their heating and food bills.

“That’s why breakfast clubs are so important – they’re by no means the solution to financial struggles, but they can at least alleviate them to a small extent.”

The study also found that three in ten adults (29%) are currently struggling to ensure there is always enough food on the table to feed their whole household, due to financial difficulties – although over a quarter (26%) claim they have never asked for help.

As a result, 59% have cut back on electric and gas, while 54% have had to borrow money from friends and family, and one in ten have used a foodbank to help them get by.

It emerged that seven in ten of those who’ve struggled to keep their household fed have yet to rely on the help of others or utilise any schemes like breakfast clubs.

However, further underlining the importance of these schemes, more than two-thirds (68%) said their breakfast club closing would result in them having to work less, or stop altogether.

Heather Murphy added: “We are proud to have supported thousands of breakfast clubs up and down the country for 25 years.

“They contribute vastly to improving children’s school attendance and attainment, as well as alleviating hunger in some cases. It’s not just the children that benefit – it’s a lifeline for parents, too.”