Evaluating the free school breakfast initiative in Wales: methodological issues

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report findings on an initiative set up by The Welsh Assembly Government to provide free, healthy breakfasts to primary school children throughout Wales. Design/methodology/approach The research employed a cluster randomised controlled trial design with 58 schools in South, West and North Wales. Quantitative measures were taken at baseline, four months and 12 months. Findings With the injection of more money and effective services it was found that the free school breakfast initiative could help improve health and social inequalities. Originality/value This paper provides some of the background to the initiative, describes the evaluation and highlights some of the key methodological issues that arose during the course of the research.