PRIMARY schools across Wales are set to benefit from an estimated £8 million investment over the next two years after the Welsh Government confirmed an increase in the amount spent on each free school meal.

The funding boost will see the unit rate for Universal Primary Free School Meals rise from £3.20 to £3.40 per meal, an increase of 20p.

Since the scheme was launched in 2022, more than 57 million free meals have been served to primary school pupils across Wales.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said the increase means Wales now provides the highest per-meal funding rate for primary school meals anywhere in the UK, supporting schools and local authority catering teams to continue delivering nutritious food.

Wales also remains the only UK nation to offer Universal Primary Free School Meals to all primary school learners.

The scheme forms part of the Welsh Government’s wider efforts to support families with the cost of living and tackle child poverty. Parents are also being encouraged to check whether they are eligible for further assistance through the “Get help with school costs” service, including the School Essentials Grant, which helps with uniforms and classroom items. Schools also receive additional support through the Pupil Development Grant for eligible learners.

Lynne Neagle said:
“Universal Primary Free School Meals, alongside our targeted free meal offer in secondary schools, means that two-thirds of learners in Wales can access a free school meal at lunchtime every day.

“We recognise that costs are rising, and it is vital that local authorities are properly supported to deliver high-quality meals.

“Ending child poverty remains an absolute priority for the Welsh Government, and our commitment to Universal Primary Free School Meals shows how serious we are about giving every child the best possible start in life.”

NEARLY four in ten school support and early years workers are worried about having enough money to feed their families this Christmas, according to a new nationwide survey.

The poll of more than 4,600 staff working in schools and early years settings, carried out in December 2025, also found that more than half are concerned they will not be able to afford Christmas presents for their families.

The findings highlight the financial pressures faced by workers who play a vital role in caring for and educating children, but who are among the lowest-paid in the education sector.

The average teaching assistant earns just over £17,500 a year, while those working in early years settings are paid around £19,000.

Despite their own financial struggles, almost three-quarters of respondents said they felt obliged to bring items in for the children they look after. These included treats, sweets and cakes, Christmas presents and festive clothing, with some staff buying raincoats and body warmers from charity shops for children arriving at school without adequate outdoor clothing.

One respondent said: “I have breakfast items in my drawer all the time as many children don’t eat before coming to school.” Another told how their money was “stretched further” after buying food and clothing for pupils whose families could not afford the basics.

The survey also revealed widespread frustration over a lack of flexibility around time off during term time. More than half of respondents with primary-aged children said they had been unable to take time off to watch their own child’s nativity performance for at least three years. Just six per cent said they had been able to take a day’s leave to do Christmas shopping during the working week.

Some respondents described being penalised for personal circumstances, with one worker saying they had an hour’s pay deducted for attending a funeral.

Stacey Booth, GMB national officer, said the findings should “horrify” the public.

“It’s fair to say most people will be shocked that the people we rely on to look after and educate our children are so badly paid that they’re worried about feeding their own families at Christmas,” she said.

“It’s a tragic indictment of what we value as a society, and how for generations the work done largely by women has been systematically undervalued.

“From chronically low pay and term-time-only wages, to daily abuse, violence and the inability to take time off outside school holidays, school support staff face a relentless list of workplace problems.”

She added that the reintroduction of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, promised by a future Labour government in 2026, would be “absolutely vital” and must be delivered in full.

Youth Theatre opens doors for spring term

YOUNG people in Pembrokeshire are being invited to take their first steps onto the stage as Torch Youth Theatre opens enrolment for its spring term.

The Torch Theatre is welcoming new members to its youngest group, aimed at children in school years three and four, with sessions beginning this January. The programme is designed to nurture creativity, confidence and friendship in a fun, supportive environment.

The Youth Theatre is well known for producing acclaimed shows such as The Bangers and Chips Explosion, Ravers and The Wind in the Willows, but its focus extends far beyond performance alone.

Tim Howe, who leads the programme, said the sessions are about building life skills as much as theatrical ones.

“Our sessions help young people build confidence in a safe, supportive space,” he said. “We encourage social skills by making new friends and learning how to work as a team, while using imagination to tackle creative challenges. Most importantly, every session is packed with energy and laughter.”

Sessions for the youngest age group take place on Tuesday evenings from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.

Tim added: “It’s an ideal after-school activity for all sorts of young people. Whether they’re a born performer, a little bit shy, or just looking to try something new, there’s a place for them here.”

While younger members develop their skills, the Youth Theatre’s senior group is beginning rehearsals for its next production, Sycamore Gap, sponsored by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. The play forms part of the National Theatre’s UK-wide Connections programme.

“The National Theatre Connections production is just one of the many performance opportunities we provide,” Tim said. “Young people can also take part in voiceover work for our pantomime, termly informal showcases, and our spectacular annual summer productions. Torch Youth Theatre is a vital part of our live theatre programme.”

Members themselves speak passionately about the experience.

“Going to Torch Youth Theatre is my favourite part of the week,” said one participant. “It’s funny, welcoming, and a space away from the world where you can let go and be free.”

Another added: “Torch means a lot to us. It has helped us build bonds and given us opportunities we never would have had otherwise.”

Youth Theatre groups meet weekly:

• School years 3 and 4: Tuesdays, 4:30pm–6:00pm
• School years 5 and 6: Wednesdays, 4:30pm–6:00pm
• School years 7, 8 and 9: Tuesdays, 6:30pm–8:00pm
• School years 10, 11, 12 and 13: Wednesdays, 7:30pm–9:30pm

The Torch says it is looking forward to welcoming a new generation of young theatre-makers through its doors in 2026.

For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk, call the Box Office on 01646 695267, or email Tim Howe at [email protected].