Pupils in Years One and Two in Penarth and across the Vale will receive free school meals seven months ahead of the Welsh Government schedule.  

It was announced on Monday (June 20) by Welsh Government that reception pupils will be given free school meals from September, with pupils in the next two year groups joining them in April. 

But the Vale of Glamorgan Council has been able to move the process forward, meaning all three year groups will be offered free meals from the start of the new school year. 

The meals will be delivered in partnership with The Big Fresh Catering Company, a council-owned business that also operates a commercial catering service as well as a bar and café at Penarth Pier Pavilion. 

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, the cabinet member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: "In response to the current cost-of-living crisis, the council, alongside Welsh Government and the Big Fresh Catering Company, is pleased to announce that from September pupils in Reception, Year One and Year Two will be offered free, nutritious school meals. 

"We are delighted that provision for the latter two-year groups will be available significantly earlier than in other parts of Wales due to the excellent performance of the Big Fresh Catering Company. 

"Times are hard at the moment, with energy, fuel and food prices all increasing and many facing food poverty. Hopefully, this can go some way to easing the pressure being felt by families and help ensure that no child goes hungry while in school."