There is nationwide praise a local council which has successfully implemented the first phase of the new free school meals policy.
As of last week, all reception-age children in Neath Port Talbot schools are receiving school meals, with other primary school year groups in the region set to follow throughout the year.
The offer will be extended to all Year 1 pupils after the October half term, ahead of the with the ambition of including Year 2 pupils as soon as possible afterwards.
The council has received praise for its “successful implementation” in delivering this to local schools, including Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun Cae Gurwen and Ysgol Gymraeg Pontardawe.
Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales West, Sioned Williams has praised “the hard work” of catering staff, teachers, headteachers and Neath Port Talbot Council “for delivering real and meaningful change for our children.”
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Sioned Williams said: “Catering staff, teaching assistants, teachers and headteachers have put hard work into ensuring the successful implementation of the first phase of the new free school meals policy, and I would like to thank them for delivering real change for our children and important support for their families.
“It’s great news that Neath Port Talbot are already considering extending the offer to all year one pupils after the October half term and to year two pupils as soon as possible after that, and have already committed to ensuring that all primary pupils will be eligible for a free school meal by 2024.
Nia Jenkins, Neath Port Talbot Council cabinet member for Education and Plaid Cymru Councillor said: “In response to the current cost-of-living crisis, the council is doing everything we can to ensure no child in the county borough goes hungry.
“On top of the £2 million hardship relief scheme the coalition agreed on in July, we have begun the work of implementing the roll-out of free school meals as quickly as possible.
“We understand that all families face challenges caused by the crisis, and we are committed to supporting families through this difficult time.”
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