Written question WQ89979

Ensuring all our school children fulfil their potential is a key priority for this government. We recognise the challenge of the cost-of-living crisis from parents and guardians to teachers and school support staff.

It is deeply concerning to hear that school support staff are supporting children from their own pockets. The Welsh Government provides funding for the School Essentials Grant (formerly PDG Access), which is distributed to families via local authorities. It has made a significant difference to many lower income families across Wales, helping to reduce the worry surrounding the purchase of school uniform and equipment, enabling children to attend school and take part in activities at the same level as their peers. £13.6m has been made available for the School Essentials Grant in 2023-24.

In 2021/22 the grant was extended to eligible children and young people in all compulsory school years, meaning that even more families can now benefit from this support. The grant can be used to pay for school uniform, coats and shoes, sports kit and equipment, and classroom essentials, like pens, pencils and bags.

Additionally, all primary school children in Wales will be offered a free school meal by September 2024, as part of our Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru. We maintain our commitment to free breakfasts in primary schools and continue to work with local authorities to increase take-up.

The universal provision of free school meals in primary schools 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.