The first evaluation of a mass rollout of free school meals in Welsh primary schools has now taken place
Overcrowded dining rooms as well as special dietary and cultural needs are among the reasons more children are not taking up the offer of free meals in primary schools in Wales.
Universal free school lunches for all primary pupils were rolled out in phases from September 2022 to September 2024 as part of a Welsh Government response to cost of living pressures and pupil hunger. But average uptake is only 69% and in some schools even lower at 57%, the first evaluation shows.
An interim report from the first year of a three-year evaluation on free school meals in primaries has just been published by the Welsh Government. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
It says while the policy has had some positive impact on family finances and pupil behaviour there are also challenges. A free lunch has not improved rates of attendance among the least-well-off children significantly and gaps between them and their better-off peers persist.
There are also worries children eligible for free school meals under the old income rules may not be accessing associated benefits as they are not aware they still need to register.
Special food and cultural needs are “challenges” which “may help explain why some learners and parents/carers continue to prefer packed lunches”, the report says.
“Schools reported using a variety of approaches to manage allergies and medical requirements including bespoke menus, direct chef involvement, visual identification techniques, and coloured trays for special meals.
“While several schools reported effectively meeting these needs issues around cultural suitability (such as unclear halal options or untranslated menus) sometimes result in parents/carers providing packed lunches instead.”
Some school staff raised concerns that operational pressures maybe affecting food quality. Busier lunchtimes were also potentially putting children off.
“Practical measures, such as improving dining room layouts to ease flow or staggering lunchtimes, may help create a more relaxed and enjoyable lunchtime experience and encourage greater participation, ” the interim evaluation advises schools.
Overall the number of children eating free school meals in primaries has gone up now they are free for all, regardless of income, and this has helped families just above the free school meal eigibility threshold in particular.
By July 2024 average uptake across Welsh local authorities reached 69%, with rates ranging from 57% to 82%. Uptake has gradually increased, rising from 67% in September 2022, with the highest participation among younger learners who were eligible from the outset.
“Clear and ongoing communication following rollout is essential for schools, local authorities, and families, including guidance that is accessible, multilingual, and regularly updated, ” the report’s authors recommend.
Schools could also boost uptake by sharing tips on menu variety, meeting dietary and cultural needs, and engaging older learners. Improved data would also help to pinpoint which children may not be fully benefiting..
“There is also a need to ensure that learners with eFSM (eligible for free school meals) status continue to access associated benefits through simplified registration processes, improved communication, or rebranding of eFSM to highlight its wider support offer,” the report adds.
And while hunger is often cited as a reason for poor behaviour only “some school staff” reported “modest but positive effects” on learner behaviour and concentration resulting from universal free school meals.
Those that noticed positive effects said children were more settled, less hungry, and better able to engage in afternoon lessons. Some parents and carers had also seen improvements in their children’s focus and participation at school due to having a meal.
The findings, based on survey responses from 47 schools, in-depth case studies at 13 schools, and interviews with all 22 councils as well as school food providers and others, will be used to help fine tune the policy.
Those in charge will note feedback from school leaders “show mixed results” with some schools, particularly in urban areas, seeing improvements in hunger and food insecurity, while others reported little change.
On attendance the report adds: “Although some anecdotal evidence suggests that some parents/carers may give priority to attendance to ensure their children receive a meal national data shows that although the gap between eFSM learners and their peers has narrowed it remains substantial.”
The Welsh Government said its universal free primary school meal provision has removed financial barriers, increased access to school meals, and reduced stigma.
Releasing the report it said: “An evaluation of the policy found that financial pressures had eased for many families, particularly those previously just above the free school meals threshold, who no longer need to budget for school meals or packed lunches.
“Schools have welcomed universal primary free school meals for reducing stigma around free school meals as removing visible differences between learners has created a more inclusive environment. Several schools also reported that learners who had previously arrived at school hungry were now able to receive at least one hot meal a day.”
Sue Roche, head teacher of Garnteg Primary in Pontypool, said: “The impact is great for giving the pupils the best start to their day and ensuring learners are in school ready to learn whilst enjoying a hot nutritious meal at lunchtime ready for their afternoon session.
“It is also particularly valued by families as it also encourages children to try new foods and ensures every child receives at least one hot, nutritious balanced meal daily.
“Many staff at Garnteg have noticed meals lead to improved concentration, behaviour, and raises pupils’ energy levels throughout the day all leading to better learning opportunities and outcomes.”
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