Free School Meals To Continue Through Shielding Or Self Isolation

Welsh school children entitled to free school meals will continue to receive them if they are shielding or have to self-isolate.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams has confirmed £420,000 of funding will be available to support local authorities in providing the meals.

She says its a key priority for the Welsh Government during the coronavirus pandemic.

In April, Wales became the first country in the UK to guarantee ongoing funding for children to to benefit from free school meals during the summer holidays.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: "It is vital that children who receive free school meals are able to continue to benefit from this support whether they are in school or at home because they are shielding or self-isolating.

"We have worked tirelessly this year to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and the countless challenges it is has presented but we have not, and will not, forget those for who school is about far more than education."

The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said: "Ensuring children can continue to receive free school meals whether they are physically in a school building or not has been a priority for the Welsh Government and this announcement reconfirms this commitment.

"This funding will allow local authorities to ensure no child misses out on this vital service and I will continue to work with Local Authorities to ensure they can are able to deliver key services and respond to the pandemic."