I am pleased to announce today that in Wales we have secured free school meal provision for all school holidays until at least Easter 2021.
The coronavirus pandemic has presented countless challenges this year, but with the Welsh Government now guaranteeing £11 million for these provisions, we can help support those who look to school for more than just education.
Wales was the first UK nation to ensure that pupils received free school meals
As a Welsh Liberal Democrat Education Minister, I have fought hard for students and families throughout this crisis. Wales was the first UK nation to ensure that pupils received free school meals over the summer holidays, and we quickly delivered IT kits to our most disadvantaged pupils.
Happy to confirm today we’re making £11m available to guarantee free school meal provision during school holidays up to & including Easter 2021.
Thanks to @MarcusRashford for helping spread this news.
To find out if you could benefit, please click here: https://t.co/zu2vfXDk4Hpic.twitter.com/yaXXOVPv1g
— Kirsty Williams (@wgmin_education) October 15, 2020
After schools had reopened, I confirmed a minimum of £420,000 would be made available to ensure all pupils entitled to free school meals would continue to receive provisions if they were shielding or had to self-isolate.
This shows the difference Welsh Liberal Democrats can make for families and communities across the country.
With £11 million now going towards those who need it most, I hope it can provide some reassurance in these times of uncertainty.
A new Education Policy Institute report has said that Wales’ response to the pandemic led the way in the UK in these and a number of other areas. This shows the difference Welsh Liberal Democrats can make for families and communities across the country.
Once again, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will lead the way.