Written question WQ85576

As part of work to support the rollout of Universal Primary Free School Meals, I have provided local authorities across Wales with £25million capital funding to upgrade kitchen and dining facilities. My officials are also currently working in partnership with local authorities and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to identify any future capital funding requirements to meet this commitment.

This first year of delivery will focus on building the capacity of schools to deliver this increased offer and will aim to ensure that, by the start of the Summer term, most pupils in Reception and Years 1 and 2 will be able to have a free school meal.

We are committed to implementing the scheme as quickly as possible in response to the rising cost-of-living crisis. However, there is a need to balance the pace of rollout with the capacity of Local Authorities and schools to establish the necessary infrastructure to deliver quality, safety and not disadvantage current recipients.

This work is being carried out in collaboration with Siân Gwenllian MS, the Plaid Cymru lead designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.