MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Education: I am pleased to confirm that today I have laid the
Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and
Requirements) (Maintained Primary Schools) (Wales) Regulations
2025 before the Senedd. These Regulations will:
- Strengthen standards for food and drink provided in
maintained nursery and primary schools across Wales.
- Support access to healthier, balanced choices for learners,
ensuring closer alignment with the latest nutritional guidance.
The laying of these Regulations marks a further important step
toward improved health and wellbeing of children and young people
in Wales. They reflect a process of co-production between
partners which began over 12 months ago and, importantly, reflect
the feedback received during public consultation over the summer.
I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank all
stakeholders, including children and young people, parents and
carers, local authorities, schools, and health professionals, who
contributed their views. Their input has been invaluable.
Universal Primary Free School Meals is already a transformational
offer and has delivered over 57 million meals since September
2022. These revised standards raise the bar further, maximising
the impact of the scheme by ensuring higher standards and meals
with increased nutritional value. These efforts align with our
ambitions to tackle child poverty, reduce inequalities, and
improve attainment and wellbeing.
On 10 December 2025 I announced an increase to the rate paid per
Universal Primary Free School Meal, from £3.20 to £3.40. This
reflects the priority we place on delivering a quality offer in
the face of rising costs and helps ensure our learners have the
best possible start.
The Regulations will come into force on 31 October 2026, allowing
sufficient time for schools and local authorities to prepare for
implementation.
Further details, including the
full text of the Regulations is available here
