Free school meals for all infant pupils from September
Posted on Wednesday 3rd August 2022
Infant aged boy holding tray with food on. Other children seen in background eating at a table in school setting.
Every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 will be offered a free school meal from September.
Thanks to Welsh Government funding, councils across Wales are extending the availability of free school meals, beginning with their youngest learners. The aim is that every primary school pupil will be able to have a free school meal by 2024.
From September 2022, Newport will be offering free school meals to all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in local authority-maintained schools.
Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: “This is an amazing commitment that will benefit so many young people in Wales. We are very proud to be rolling this out ahead of schedule and exceeding the targets set by Welsh Government. We made that promise to the people of Newport so we could help as many children as quickly as possible, and we are delivering.
“There is no doubt the positive impact this will have on families and our education environment and we will do everything we can to extend this to our junior classes as soon as we can.”
Councillor Deb Davies, cabinet member for education and early years, added: “There is so much evidence that shows that young people learn better when they are fed and full. We’ve been pushing this message for several years and breakfast clubs have made a real difference, but this will take it to a different level.
“There are challenges facing many families at the moment, so this will lift some of those worries and ensure our youngest learners are content and ready to enjoy and engage in their education.”
How will my child receive these meals?
Pupils will be able to access meals directly through their school at the start of term.
You do not have to apply to receive a free school meal.
What other support is available?
However, families that have traditionally qualified for free school meals can still access additional support but must apply to the council.
Such support can include uniform grants, discounts on trips and additional school funding.
For more information and to apply for extra support visit www.newport.gov.uk/schoolmeals
Councillor Davies added: “It is very important that if you do receive certain benefits, you still get in touch with the council as there is a lot more support available to you.”
Full details are available at www.newport.gov.uk/schoolmeals or if you are unable to apply online, please email [email protected] or call 01633 656656.