The Welsh Minister for Education and Welsh Language, has also confirmed that
eligible Further Education students in college and six form will
also receive free meal provision during the May break, with an
estimated 4000 learners set to benefit.
He has also confirmed that eligible Further Education students in
college and six form will also receive free meal provision during
the May break, with an estimated 4000 learners set to benefit.
An estimated 115,000 school learners are eligible to benefit
from the free holiday provision. Funding for eligible school aged
children is through the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru
cooperation agreement.
In 2020 Wales became the first UK nation to guarantee free school
meals for eligible families during the school holidays.
Individual local authorities decide how to administer the free
meal provision, either by creating lunches or by providing
vouchers or direct payments to families. A similar system will be
in place for eligible FE students.
Minister for Education and Welsh Language, , said:
It’s vital that children and young people are able to enjoy their
school holidays and that we help take pressure off families who
are struggling with the cost of living.
I’m pleased we’ve been able to further extend this support for
learners in schools and colleges. I would encourage
families to find out if they can apply for this support with
their Local Authority.
Plaid Cymru’s Designated Member, Siân Gwenllian, said:
Eligible school pupils having access to free school meals during
the May half-term will provide real help to many as the
cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. I am proud that by
working together we have made sure that learners have support
when the school doors close for the May holidays.
