More than 20,900 primary age school pupils city-wide are now able to benefit from free school meals through Welsh Government’s Universal Free School Meals programme, ensuring children eat well during the school day whilst providing financial benefit to families.
Extensive work carried out by Cardiff’s Education Catering teamshas seen school kitchens across the city updated and capacity increased, so that provision can be efficiently delivered to primary aged children inCardiff’s primary and special schools.
All primary pupils from Reception to Year 6 are able to access free school meals. To ensure primary aged children do not miss out on their free school meals, families should log onto their ParentPay account to pre order. More information is available here www.parentpay.com
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “Many families are still experiencing challenges relating to the current cost of living andCardiff Council has been committed to delivering free school meals to all those eligible, as efficiently as possible to ensure that the financial squeeze does not get in the way of education.
“Facilitating this level of changehas not been without its challenges, with each school being different in size and capacity, however despitethese considerable difficulties the successful rollout of the scheme is a welcome addition which is already benefitting thousands of families across the city.
“In addition to Universal Free School Meals, families with children in secondary school who receive benefits, should continue to register for a free school meal. Itis essential that those parents who need it most, receive the help that they are entitled to.I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible for free school meals and other help, to get in touch so that they can access the right support throughout the school year.”
