2,400 reception pupils receiving free school meals

MORE than 2,400 reception pupils in Swansea have been offered free meals since school resumed in September.

Swansea Council is working closely with schools to extend the offer to other years as soon as possible as they work towards implementing the Welsh Government’s commitment for every primary school pupil to receive a free school meal by 2024.

With funding from the Welsh Government the council is investing in new equipment and staff, as well as modifications to kitchens in some schools, so that the 2024 target is delivered.

Families of children entering reception were automatically enrolled at their school.

While all reception pupils are offered a meal, some families on low incomes may also qualify for additional benefits such as the uniform grant and discount on school trips.

Families who may qualify but have not done so yet, can still do so by visiting https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/3198/Free-school-meals to check the criteria and then complete the form.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Learning, Robert Smith, said:

“During this cost of living crisis the Welsh Government’s Free School Meal pledge is more important than ever.

“By 2024 all children in primary schools will be offered a free school meal and in Swansea we are already making good progress in preparing to meet this commitment.

“We are working hard to be in a position to extend the offer beyond reception once the infrastructure is in place and we will be updating parents and carers as soon as we are in a position to include more year groups.”

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