Posted on: Thursday 21 July 2022
From September, free school meals will be available to any full-time nursery pupils, and pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in local authority maintained schools across Torfaen, thanks to Welsh Government funding.
Local authorities across Wales are beginning the free school meal roll out with their youngest learners, with the aim of every Primary school pupil receiving a free school meal by 2024.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the Catering Team for working so hard to make sure that all full-time nursery pupils, along with Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils will have access to free school meal from September.
“The implementation deadline set by Welsh Government for these school years is Easter 2023, so the team has gone over and above what has been asked of them.
“Making sure children have access to a nutritious meal is even more important than ever, with more families struggling with the cost of living.”
“The Catering Team will continue to work with Welsh Government and schools, to make sure as many pupils as possible have access to free school meals as quickly as feasibly possible.”
To make sure that each child who is eligible for a free school meal receives ones, a new online form has been created which needs to be completed by parents and carers by 31st July 2022. The form will help capture any special dietary requirements to assist with menu preparations.
The form is only to be completed for pupils who will be in any full-time nursery, Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 from September 2022. Fill out the form here: https://bit.ly/3RMKLte
If you are struggling with the cost of living, visit our cost of living support web page.