Children in Wales will begin receiving free school meals from the beginning of the new term - but which years will be offered them depends on where they live.
The policy for universal free school meals under the Labour government and Plaid Cymru agreement is aimed at addressing the cost of living crisis. It begins with reception children this month, before being rolled out to all children of primary school age by 2024.
But some councils are extending the free school meal offer to children in years one and two from this term, after the October half term, or from January. Some school canteens were shut during the pandemic restrictions and were not fully open and serving hot meals last academic year - Cardiff Council said that if any of its canteens could not offer hot food in September, cold food would be offered instead.
