Free school meals to continue through May half term break

Free school meal holiday provision will be available to children from lower income families this May half term.

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles has also confirmed that eligible Further Education students in college and six form will also receive free meal provision during the May break, with an estimated 4,000 learners set to benefit.

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An estimated 115,000 school learners are eligible to benefit from the free holiday provision. Funding for eligible school aged children is through the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru cooperation agreement.

In 2020 Wales became the first UK nation to guarantee free school meals for eligible families during the school holidays. Individual local authorities decide how to administer the free meal provision, either by creating lunches or by providing vouchers or direct payments to families. A similar system will be in place for eligible FE students.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said:

“It’s vital that children and young people are able to enjoy their school holidays and that we help take pressure off families who are struggling with the cost of living.

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to further extend this support for learners in schools and colleges.  I would encourage families to find out if they can apply for this support with their Local Authority.”

Plaid Cymru’s Designated Member, Sian Gwenllian, said:

“Eligible school pupils having access to free school meals during the May half-term will provide real help to many as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. I am proud that by working together we have made sure that learners have support when the school doors close for the May holidays.”