If your child will be starting in years 3 to 6 in September in primary school, you’ll want to read this!
Children in reception classes and years 1 and 2 across Wales are already receiving free school meals thanks to the Welsh Government’s Universal Primary Free School Meals programme, and from September this will be rolled out to all years 3 to 6 pupils in Wrexham.
This 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!
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 School Essentials Grant, which includes financial support for uniform, sports equipment and devices.
So from September we are urging parents to continue apply for Free School Meals so that your child receives the maximum support that they’re entitled to.
To access this year’s scheme visit the School Essentials Grant page on our website.
If you have previously received the Welsh Government’s school holiday direct payment to help with food costs while your children are out of school, we have received confirmation from Welsh government that this will no longer be available and that the final payment covered May half term 2023.
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 School Essentials 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 qualifies for the new Universal Primary Free School Meals. 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. 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.
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.
