One councilor expressed relief that all primary school children in the Vale of Glamorgan now receive free meals. Councilor Rhiannon Birch, a member of Glamorgan Council’s Welsh language cabinet, said the idea of children going to school hungry before free meals were introduced was “absolutely terrifying”.
Delivery of the Free School Meals Scheme, which was launched in Vale of Glamorgan primary schools from Monday 24th April, is done in partnership with the county’s Big Fresh Catering Company. “I can tell you that as a retired teacher, I’ve seen children come to school without breakfast and probably with little money for lunch,” said Cllr Birch, who attended Barry Island Primary School to see the introduction of free meals. . in action.
“So knowing that kids will get free meals at school and obviously a lot of these schools also have breakfast clubs means kids come to school ready to learn and not worry about where their next lunch is coming from. ” . Barry Island Elementary School Principal Matthew Gilbert said children occasionally went to school hungry before the introduction of free school meals.
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He said: “We are in touch and working with the families, it may vary from time to time.” However, Gilbert added that the school also has a breakfast club that offers cereal, toast, drinks and “a little festive event to kick off classes”. He added, “If a family or student is going through a difficult time, we encourage them to come to the breakfast club.”
Gilbert said it was “definitely” a relief to see the introduction of free school meals at school, adding: “I think for kids to learn effectively they need to be happy, healthy, confident people.” It was always a concern given the cost of living.” On how he felt when he heard children coming to school hungry, Cllr Birch said: “It’s absolutely awful, isn’t it? They can’t learn, they can’t progress because they’re hungry.
(Image: Vale of Glamorgan Council)
(Image: Vale of Glamorgan Council)
“Especially in the economic crisis we’re living in, there are children whose parents cannot, and in some cases cannot, provide for their children, and that makes a big difference.” Vale of Glamorgan is a little ahead of the market when it comes to introducing free meals in primary schools. The second phase of the Welsh Government’s introduction of Universal Free School Meals (UPFSM), targeting all pupils in Years 3-6, who will receive free school meals in April next year.
Cllr Birch added: “We’ve had interest from other boards who are looking at the way we do things and perhaps even considering using Big Fresh. I can say that I’m here today at Barry Island Primary School and they have a German TV station filming what’s happening here because they’re so impressed by it.”
Source: Wales Online
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
