Families with children in Years 7 and 8 who receive Universal Credit can now apply for free school meals under an expansion of the offer in Swansea.
The scheme, known as Extended Free School Meals, will be available from 12 October and applies to all Year 7 and Year 8 pupils whose parent, carer or guardian receives Universal Credit, regardless of earnings. Eligible pupils will receive a daily meal allowance of £2.40.
The move, funded by the Welsh Government, builds on the Universal Primary Free School Meals programme, which already provides free school meals to all primary-aged pupils across Swansea and Wales. More than 18,000 primary school pupils in Swansea benefit from that offer.
Cllr Robert Smith, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This expansion will help ensure more young people can benefit from a healthy meal during the school day.
“We know many households continue to face financial pressures, so extending free school meals to Year 7 and Year 8 pupils whose families receive Universal Credit will provide valuable support at a time when it is needed most.
“We want to make sure every eligible family benefits from this new entitlement, so I would encourage parents and carers to submit an application as soon as possible.”
The extended offer covers the food element of free school meals only. Eligibility for the Schools Essentials Grant remains subject to the existing qualifying criteria.
Applications can be made online via Swansea Council’s free school meals webpage.
