This is your reminder that if you have a child in a Wrexham primary school (reception to year 6), they are entitled to a free school meal – regardless of your financial situation.
This is thanks to the Welsh Government’s Universal Primary Free School Meals programme, which has been running since 2022 and is the part of the Welsh Government’s response to the rising cost-of-living pressures on families, tackling child poverty and ensuring no child goes hungry in school.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get a hot nutritious school meal for your child – for free!
Are you also entitled to the School Essentials Grant?
If your household is on a low income you may also be entitled to additional help through the School Essentials Grant, which includes financial support for uniform, sports equipment and devices.
Be sure to check if you are eligible so that your child receives the maximum support that they’re entitled to. You can find out more on the School Essentials Grant page on our website.
What if your child is in high school?
If your household is on a low income and have children in secondary school, you may also be entitled for free school meals. You can apply on the Free School Meals page of our website to check if you are eligible.
Has your financial situation changed in the last year?
If your child is not currently receiving Free School Meals or the School Essentials Grant, but your circumstances have changed this year, Wrexham might have support available for you. Support does not have to begin with the academic year, so please apply for Free School Meals and the School Essentials Grant to see if you can claim.
Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said: “While all primary school children will receive a free meal at school, there is more help available to low income families – including those with children in high school. Visit our website and apply, even if your child is receiving Universal Primary Free School Meals, because if your application is successful you may also be able to access the School Essentials Grant, which is an important part of stopping money getting in the way of children’s education.”
Child starting primary school? You’ll need a Parent Pay account
For your child to receive a Universal Free School Meal in primary school you will need an account on the Parent Pay website www.parentpay.com. Here’s how you get one:
- Email schoolmeals@wrexham.gov.uk with your child’s full name, date of birth and name of their school, and ask for a Parent Pay activation code
- You will receive an activation code to get your account up and running
If you have any questions about financial help available for your child while they are at school you can contact us at freeschoolmeals@wrexham.gov.uk.
You’ll need to pre-order school meals on Parent Pay too. This really helps your child’s school because it means that teachers don’t have to lose valuable teaching time taking meal orders. It also means your child gets their first choice of meal and helps us reduce waste. Once you are set up on Parent Pay, you’ll be able to book your children’s meals up to two weeks in advance.
