Employees of Uxbridge-based food business General Mills were recently given an inspiring presentation from Nathan Atkinson, the award-winning headteacher of Richmond Hill Primary School in Leeds, who is transforming the lives of children.

Mr Atkinson, who was a finalist in this year’s Global Top Teachers Prize, highlighted the importance of breakfast clubs, telling staff that there is a clear link between nutrition and attainment.

He explained how feeling safe and being well-fed has helped his pupils learn more effectively and thrive in school.

With more than 8m people in the UK living in households that struggle to put enough food on the table, breakfast clubs are a great way to ensure children are receiving a nutritious meal, free of charge, every day.

Mr Atkinson said: “We’re extremely proud of the initiatives we run at Richmond Hill and delighted that major food businesses, like General Mills, are helping deliver similar breakfast clubs across the UK.

“With their support, hundreds of children will benefit from a healthy and nutritious start to the day that will help them perform better at school.”

General Mills, which manufactures the well-known Nature Valley, Häagen-Dazs and Old El Paso brands, currently funds a number of breakfast clubs around the country that provide more than 400 children a day with a range of nutritious breakfast products.

Mr Atkinson’s presentation was designed to show the company’s employees the value of nutrition in schools and demonstrate the social benefits of its charitable giving programme.

Jonathan Bennett, Head of External Relations at General Mills, added: “There are quite simply too many children in the UK who do not have a nutritious start to their day and it undoubtedly affects their development.

“Nathan is a truly inspirational person and we’re delighted that he took the time to highlight the benefits of breakfast clubs to our team.

“His ambition to provide good nutrition is of crucial importance for the wellbeing, growth and development of children, and we’re delighted to be helping schools enrich the lives of their pupils.”