All primary school pupils in Newport will be offered free school meals from September. From the autumn term, the city council is rolling out the universal free school meal offer ahead of the Welsh Government’s target date in 2024.

Welsh Government asked councils to extend the scheme to years three and four from next term, but pupils in years five and six will also be included in Newport. Universal free school meals were first made available last year to younger learners and Newport also did that ahead of the deadline by offering them to years one and two as well as reception pupils last September.

The introduction of universal free school meals for primary school pupils is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. All primary school children in Wales, and more than 6,000 nursery-age pupils attending a maintained school, will be eligible for free school meals by 2024 with the Welsh Government committing £260m to implement the programme over three years.

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Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: “We consider this offer to be of vital importance for the wellbeing of pupils. I’m pleased that, with the cooperation of the schools and catering company Chartwells, we’ve been able to roll it out ahead of schedule to all primary pupils in the city.

“We made a promise to help as many children and their families as possible, as quickly as possible, and we have kept that promise.”

Councillor Deb Davies, cabinet member for education and early years, said that research showed children learn so much better when they are fed. She said breakfast clubs have helped significantly but the free lunches are “a massive leap forward”.

“We know that many families are struggling with the cost-of-living but may not have qualified for the traditional free school meals. It is to be hoped that this will help ease their concerns,” she said.

“By making sure their children have a free meal at lunchtime and will be ready to engage in lessons in the afternoon. I would also encourage parents and carers to check whether they are also entitled to other support with school costs by visiting our website or contacting the council.”

This is how children in Newport will receive free primary school meals

  • Pupils will be able to access meals directly through their school at the start of term.
  • They do not have to apply to receive a free school meal.

Other support is also available too

  • Families that have traditionally qualified for free school meals can still access additional support but must apply to the council. Full details are available at www.newport.gov.uk/schoolmeals or families can email freeschoolmeals@newport.gov.uk or call 01633 656656