Parents and schools in Denbighshire, and across Wales have raised concerns regarding the blanket portion size that is given to primary school pupils from reception up to year six, as part of the Welsh Government’s Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) programme. The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, also raised her concerns in April following a "snapshot" survey of children's views on school dinners which revealed only a minority of primary school pupils felt full after their lunch.
Senedd member for Vale of Clwyd, Gareth Davies MS visited a primary school in Prestatyn last week and witnessed children in reception unable to finish their meal, whereas older children were telling him they still felt hungry after finishing their lunch. The school informed Gareth that they shared his concerns, but that Welsh Government guidance stipulates schools must provide the same portion size to 4-year-olds as they do 10-year-olds. He was concerned that children would not be able to concentrate in the afternoon if they were still hungry following their lunch.
Gareth raised this issue today in the Senedd, calling for the Cabinet Secretary for Education to address the concerns raised by parents, schools, the Children’s Commissioner, and himself. He requested a review of the guidance to ensure that the meals provided meet the nutritional requirements of the children.
Following his comments in the Senedd, Gareth Davies MS, Member of the Senedd for Vale of Clwyd, said:
“I was deeply concerned to witness primary school pupils returning to the classroom still hungry following the meagre lunch rations that schools are forced to offer due to mandatory Welsh Government guidance.
“It’s common sense that a 10-year-old requires a more substantial meal than a 4-year-old, but the wholesale approach by the Welsh Government is not addressing the needs of different ages – sentiments that the Children’s Commissioner for Wales has also expressed recently.
“I have called on the Welsh Government to urgently review its guidance and ensure that children receive a nutritional meal appropriate for their age."