Studies have shown that good nutrition in children has a positive effect on school performance and can lead to better behaviour in class and even to fewer periods of absenteeism throughout the academic year – all good news for parents who want to make sure they give their children the best start to each and every day.

With studies showing that good nutrition in children has a positive effect on school performance, overall achievement, can lead to better behaviour in class and even to fewer periods of absenteeism, breakfast cereal producer, White’s, is issuing a reminder to parents of the importance of a nutritious breakfast to set their children up for the school day ahead.

Esther Ruddell, Marketing Assistant, White’s, makers of Speedicook Porridge Oats and Only Oats, said: “Eating breakfast everyday is a vital part of a child’s nutritional intake and is good insurance for parents that children arrive to school ready to learn. Research shows, however, that many children of all ages regularly skip this important meal. With clear evidence linking breakfast to increased cognitive function when it comes to memory, exam performance and to attention levels in class, it makes sense for parents to make sure their children set out for school with their tummies full.”

Breakfast enables the body to refuel after an over-night fast and healthy breakfasts include a variety of foods including high fibre and nutrient rich wholegrains, fruits for instant energy and dairy products for protein.

Esther continues: “Mornings can often be fraught as parents rush to get ready for work, get the children ready for school and make sure everyone is out of the door on time, but breakfast need not impact too much on this already precious time – a good breakfast can be a fast breakfast! White’s Only Oats - a unique blend of jumbo oats and wafer thin oat flakes that retain all the natural goodness of oats, comes in a convenient sachet. But perhaps even more importantly it offers tasty healthy convenience - from sachet to bowl in just 90 seconds!”

Porridge is a 100% natural cereal, with no added sugar, salt or additives, is naturally low in calories and contains many vitamins and minerals. Research has found that people who eat foods with a low glycaemic index (GI) like porridge feel full for longer and so are less likely to binge on mid morning snacks offering peace of mind for parents that children won’t be reaching for sugary snacks come break time.