If your child is in years 1 or 2 in primary school, you’ll want to read this!
Since September, all children in reception classes across Wales have been able to have free meals at school, and from April Universal Primary Free School Meals will be rolled out to all year 1 and 2 pupils in Wrexham as well.
This is the second stage 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. The same offer will be available to years 3 to 6 from September 2023.
Does your child already receive Free School Meals?
If your child currently receives Free School Meals based on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to additional help through the Pupil Development Grant, which includes financial support for uniform, sports equipment and devices.
To access this year’s scheme visit Pupil Development Grant (PDG) | Wrexham County Borough Council. So, as the summer term approaches, we are urging parents to apply for the support they’re entitled to.
Has your financial situation changed in the last year?
If your child is not currently receiving Free School Meals, but your circumstances have changed this year, Wrexham might have support available for you.
To check if you are eligible for Free School Meals, visit Free school meals | Wrexham County Borough Council.
If you are eligible, you may also be able to receive the Pupil Development Grant.
Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said: “If you think you may be eligible for Free School Meals, please visit our website and apply even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and qualifies for Universal Primary Free School Meals.
“If your application is successful, you may also be able to access the Pupil Development Grant, which is an important part of stopping money getting in the way of children’s education. So, if you think you may be eligible, get in touch with us to support parents and learners through the school year.”
Child starting school? You’ll need a Parent Pay account
For your child to receive a free school meal – Universal Primary Free School Meal or an eligibility-based Free School Meal – 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
If your child is eligible for a free school meal, you’ll need to pre-order on Parent Pay too. This really helps your child’s school because teachers aren’t spending time taking 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.
