Universal Primary Free School Meals

Pupils in Year 1 and eligible pupils in a full-time Nursery setting are now eligible for Universal Primary Free School Meals. This follows Reception classes receiving Universal Primary Free School Meals since last year.  

All primary school children in Rhondda Cynon Taf will eventually be eligible for Universal Primary Free School Meals following a commitment from Welsh Government in response to the rising cost-of-living pressures on families.  

It remains a shared ambition of Welsh Government and local authorities to tackle child poverty and ensure that no child goes hungry in school. A meal at lunchtime is vital for the health and wellbeing of all children.  

There are also wider benefits of free school meals, including promoting healthy eating across the school, increasing the variety of food learners can eat, improving social skills at mealtimes, as well as improving behaviour and attainment.  

Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Participation, said: “Our Council started rolling out the Universal Primary Free School Meals to its young learners in 2022, and I am delighted that this roll-out continues to other students in 2023.  

“This is a very important step in reaching the shared ambition of both the Council and Welsh Government that no child goes hungry while they are in school.”  

Frequently Asked Questions  

You must apply for a Free School Meal even if you receive a Universal Free School Meal for your child in Reception Year, Year 1 and Nursery as this will affect your possible entitlement to a Pupil Development Grant (commonly referred to as School Uniform Grant).