Caerphilly County Borough Council is started its phased roll-out of free primary school meals to all Reception and Year 1 pupils on 2nd September, thanks to Welsh Government funding.

The offer will be extended to all full-time Nursery and Year 2 pupils by November 7th, 2022, to ensure the school’s catering team are able to manage the additional demand placed upon it.

Further information on when other year groups will receive free school meals will be announced by Welsh Government in the coming months.

Carol Andrews, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Education & Communities said “In response to the current rising cost-of-living, this roll-out is a part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to tackle child poverty and to ensure every primary school pupil receive a free school meal by 2024.

In addition to encouraging healthy eating, this scheme will increase the range of food pupils eat, improve social skills and wellbeing at mealtimes – and lead to improvements to behaviour and attainment.”