Author: Rhys Gregory

New research shows that Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) have removed financial barriers, increased access to school meals and reduced stigma. Introduced in 2022 in response to the cost-of-living crisis, UPFSM aimed to ensure every primary-aged learner could access a free school meal, while also improving nutrition, reducing health inequalities and enhancing educational attainment. An evaluation of the policy found that financial pressures had eased for many families, particularly those previously just above the free school meals threshold, who no longer need to budget for school meals or packed lunches. Schools have welcomed UPFSM for reducing stigma around free…

Young people across Wales will have new opportunities to engage directly with their elected representatives, thanks to a three-year programme funded by the Welsh Government.  The Welsh Government’s Democratic Engagement Grant provides £400,000 annually to support sustained, community-rooted engagement, and strengthen long-term democratic participation. Since its launch in February 2023, it has supported 30 organisations delivering 42 projects across Wales. One of these organisations, The Politics Project, has recently been awarded £357,060 across three financial years, to deliver several different activities to connect young people with the politicians that represent them. Its flagship Digital Dialogue programme facilitates conversations between school…

Newport has become the third local authority in Wales to offer free childcare to all two-year-olds as Flying Start celebrates 20 years of supporting families and children. From April, all parents and carers of children aged two in Newport will be eligible for up to 12.5 hours of free, high-quality childcare each week — regardless of where in the city they live. Newport is the first local authority in south-east Wales to reach this milestone, following Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea. Flying Start is an early years programme launched in 2006 and targeted at some of the most disadvantaged communities in…

In 2026, investors and entrepreneurs continue to assess expansion strategies amid changing global economic patterns. As a result, businesses seek stable locations that can help them grow and relocate. Wales has emerged as a compelling destination for foreign direct investment from investors and entrepreneurs. It has steadily positioned itself as a competitive destination within the United Kingdom. Wales offers access to the UK market, targeted government support, and a business-friendly operating environment. If you are an investor or an entrepreneur seeking long-term European market stability while controlling your company, you can relocate your business operations to Wales. The country offers…

Esports Arenas Choose Hertz Over Pixels Walk past an electronics store and the pitch is always the same: 4K, 8K, cinematic colour, bigger numbers on the box. It’s built for movies, couch viewing, and slow-moving frames. Step into a competitive arena and the priorities flip instantly. At events like Intel Extreme Masters or local tournaments inside Fortress Melbourne, the screens in front of players tell a different story. On stage, nobody’s running 4K. The monitors are 1080p, sometimes even stretched, with refresh rates stamped boldly on the back: 360Hz, 500Hz. That choice looks strange until the reason becomes obvious. In…

There is nowhere quite like Wales when it comes to stretching your legs with a four-paws companion. From the rugged peaks of Eryri National Park to the sweeping sands of Rhossili Bay, our landscape was made for adventure. But if you are planning to head out for hours rather than a quick loop around the block, having the right kit can make all the difference for both you and your dog. Longer rambles call for a bit of organisation. A dedicated dog walking bag or backpack is a simple place to start. Keep everything in one spot and you will…

The pharmaceutical world is under pressure like never before. Companies need to track drug safety while dealing with mountains of medical literature published in dozens of languages across different countries. The old way of doing things – having people manually read through journals page by page – just can’t keep up anymore. This reality has created a market for specialized technology that changes how organizations watch for drug safety issues. Among these options, reliable software for PV has become as necessary as any other piece of infrastructure for pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and regulatory teams around the world. How Pharmacovigilance…

26 year old man has been charged with murder following the death of a 58 year old man in Pencoed. South Wales Police confirmed that Liam Walters, 26, of Pencoed, has been charged with the murder of 58 year old David Rogers. Mr Rogers died in hospital on Monday, March 2, where he had been in a critical condition since being admitted following the incident on Saturday, February 28. Walters is due to appear before Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, March 4. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and have renewed their appeal for information. Officers are urging…

Drivers are being warned to expect delays on key routes across south Wales this evening. Traffic Wales has reported congestion on the A470 in both directions, with queues building between Coryton and Nantgarw northbound, and from Taff’s Well down towards Coryton southbound. Motorists travelling through the area are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly around peak commuting hours. Further disruption is also being reported on the M4 westbound between Junction 24 Coldra and Junction 26 Malpas. Traffic is said to be heavy in the area, with delays likely for those heading towards Newport and beyond. The…

One of the Royal Navy’s most advanced warships, HMS Dragon, has been deployed to the eastern Mediterranean as tensions rise in the region. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Tuesday that the UK is sending helicopters with counter drone capabilities and HMS Dragon to Cyprus to help defend its Royal Air Force Akrotiri base from Iranian attacks. “I’ve just spoken with the President of Cyprus to let him know that we are sending helicopters with counter drone capabilities and HMS Dragon is to be deployed to the region. We will always act in the interest of the UK and…