7. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: Update on Free School Meals

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:50 pm on 20 September 2022.

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Photo of Sarah Murphy Sarah Murphy Labour 5:50, 20 September 2022

Free school meals for all primary school children will be known as a historic policy in this Chamber. This policy acknowledges that, despite the differences in background, when pupils enter the school gates they will be provided with equal access to food. Providing school meals prevents children from becoming collateral damage in an ever-changing economic situation that is completely out of their control.

So, I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Bridgend County Borough Council catering services staff for their exemplary commitment to provide nutritious meals for our children during the pandemic. And I know that they are dedicated and they set themselves very high standards to deliver on the Welsh Government free school meals roll-out.

However, as you've mentioned, Minister, with any policy change, there are logistics and systems that need to be put in place and often come with complex challenges. As you said, it's not that they've fallen behind; it's just that Bridgend County Borough Council have done a thorough assessment, and there are five—just five—schools at the moment that just simply do not have the infrastructure in place to be able to roll this out immediately and in time with everybody else, even though they're working extremely hard. They have fully co-operated with the Welsh Government assessment process, and they realise now it's just five, and they think that probably kitchen pods would be the best solution to that. 

So, I know you've already mentioned this, Minister, but just, really, to ask you if there is any idea in terms of timeline and guidance around when that funding will be given, because, obviously, we all want to make sure that children are having quality and quantity. The meals that need to be made at—. Sorry. So many people need more meals now, so it's just about making sure that everybody gets equal and good nutritious warm food, especially over the winter.