Free meals for young pupils from September in Wales

SOME of the youngest children in primary schools in Wales will begin receiving free school meals from September.

A total of £25m is being invested in school kitchen and dining infrastructure as part of plans to roll out free school meals to all primary school children, the Welsh Government has announced.

The policy is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, which will see free school meals extended to all primary school pupils over the next three years.

It was announced at a joint press conference given by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price yesterday.

No detail was provided about another key policy, to offer free childcare to two and three-year-olds. Mr Price said that would come “in due course”.

Some of the youngest children in primary schools will begin receiving free school meals from September as the policy is introduced.

Working with schools and local authorities, the Welsh Government will plan and prepare the infrastructure needed for all primary aged pupils to receive free school meals by September 2024.

Revenue funding of up to £200m has been set aside for local authorities to deliver the commitment, with £40m to be provided in 2022-23, £70m in 2023-24 and £90m in 2024-25.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Together we have made a joint commitment that no child in Wales should go hungry and that every child in our primary schools will be able to have a free school meal.

“We are facing an unprecedented cost-ofliving crisis. We know younger children are more likely to be living in relative income poverty, which is why the youngest of our learners will be the first to benefit.

“This cost-of-living crisis is being felt by families all over Wales – extending free school meals is one of a number of measures we are taking to support families through this difficult time.”