Phased rollout of Primary Free School Meals for the youngest children from September 2022 onwards

From the new Autumn Term (Sept 2022) onwards, the majority of Reception children will be offered Free School Meals. This is an important step in reaching the shared ambition of ensuring no child goes hungry while in school. In response to the current rising cost-of-living, Welsh Government and Cardiff Council are committed to implementing this scheme quickly and would ask for your patience as we build catering capacity to ensure a successful phased implementation and work towards a whole school roll-out over the next three years. Cardiff Council are working with the Welsh Government to develop a process for you to be able to request a free meal for your child/children in Reception from September, trying to avoid any unnecessary burden for you. Further information will follow by the end of term. Please rest assured that if your child is currently in receipt of free school meals and/or any other associated benefits, these will not be affected.

To apply for Free School Meals

parents may either email Freeschoolmeals@cardiff.gov.uk or go to the Council Website to find the application form 

Primary and secondary school pupils will get free school meals if their family receives: 

·       Income Support,

·       Income Related Employment Support Allowance,

·       Income Based Jobs Seeker’s Allowance,

·       Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit, or

·       Child Tax Credit with an income less than £16,190

·       Universal Credit if the net household earnings is less than £7400.