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Four schools in Caerphilly County Borough will get extensions to their kitchens during the summer to prepare for the rollout of Universal Primary Free School Meals. 

St Gwladys Bargoed, Ysgol Gymraeg Trelyn, Upper Rhymney Primary School and Rhiw Syr Dafydd will get extensions to their kitchens in the “final phase” of the rollout of the free meals programme in Caerphilly.

The extensions will help “accommodate the extra meals which will need to be cooked and served for school years three to six”, according to Caerphilly County Borough Council. 

This follows upgrades to many schools last year to prepare for the additional services. Extra equipment, such as large ovens, fridges and freezers were installed. 

The Welsh Government aims to provide free school meals to primary school pupils by 2024. 

The programme is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru and aims to provide free school meals to all primary school pupils for the next three years – regardless of household income. 

There is a phased approach, with children in reception and Year 1 having been receiving the free meals since September 2022. 

If the schools are upgraded by September 2023 as planned it would mean that Caerphilly County Borough Council would be able to offer the programme one year ahead of Welsh Government guidelines. 

Visit the council’s website for more information on free school meals in Caerphilly County Borough.