BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: £4.9m school boost gets underway in Townhill

A brand-new dining hall and all-weather sports pitch are being built at Townhill Community Primary School, with leaders hailing the project as a “game-changer” for pupils and families.

The investment — backed largely by the Welsh Government — aims to make sure every child can benefit from free school meals without squeezing into cramped facilities.

Right now, all pupils are entitled to a free lunch — but the school’s current kitchen and canteen simply can’t keep up.

Council leader Rob Stewart said:

“This is making a real and important difference to families throughout Swansea.”

And it’s not just about food.

The new hall will double up as a performance and community space — giving parents more room to watch school concerts and opening the doors for wider local use.

Meanwhile, a brand-new multi-use games area will give pupils — and the wider community — a place to stay active all year round.

Education boss Robert Smith said:

“This will be an exciting addition… boosting health and wellbeing during the day and beyond.”

Contractors Andrew Scott Ltd are leading the build, which is expected to take around a year.

School leaders say the investment is about more than bricks and mortar.

Headteacher Peter Owen said:

“We are delighted the school and community are going to have such a superb resource.”

And governors say it marks a step towards becoming a true “community school” — with facilities used long after the final bell rings.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Clarkson blasts “mad” school dinners
TV host hits out as imported chicken lands on Welsh pupils’ plates.

Imported chicken in school dinners sparks anger
Welsh farmers say they’re being cut out of the system.

Council to trial seasonal school dinner menu
Veg grown on the authority’s own farm set to hit the plates.

School celebrates dinner supervisor’s 40 years
A milestone moment for a much‑loved member of staff.

We live in a Society Julia Hately Spewer...

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/julia-hartley-brewer-complains-about-free-school-meals-and-everyone-says-the-same-thing-400694/

#JuliaHartleyBrewer #Poverty #FreeSchoolMeals #Inequality #WelfareState

Many Eligible Children in England Are Not Receiving Free School Meals

A significant number of children in England who qualify for free school meals are not receiving them, according to a report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI). The report identifies several barriers that prevent families from accessing these meals, including stigma, lack of digital access and... [More info]

Cornwall to Automatically Enroll Eligible Families for Free School Meals Starting in 2026

Cornwall Council has announced that from September 2026, children eligible for free school meals will be automatically enrolled, eliminating the need for families to apply. This decision follows the release of an annual public health report highlighting that over 27,000 children and young people in ... [More info]

Reform UK expels Devon councillor who ‘crossed the line’

Reform UK has expelled one of its own Devon councillors from the party over a row about a letter being sent without consent.

Devon County councillor Ed Hill, (Pinhoe & Mincinglake), has been kicked out over claims by the party that he distributed a letter on free school meals to MPs and the media purportedly signed by 17 Reform councillors.

Reform UK expels Devon councillor who ‘crossed the line’, Devon Live

#Devon #EdHill #freeSchoolMeals #Quiting #vettingFail

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0k7dv1mnpvo

This article says that the funding provided to schools in England for each free meal is currently £2.58, rising to £2.61 next school year. £3.45 is seen as the amount that's actually required.

£2.58 seems enough to me, especially as the school can budget for 5 days of meals for many pupils.

Then I wondered about staff costs. Does the £2.58 have to cover the salary of cooks and kitchen staff? That would make a huge difference.

#Money
#Economics
#FreeSchoolMeals
@TimHarford

We Demand Universal Free School Meals - We #AintAsking
https://www.change.org/p/we-demand-universal-free-school-meals-we-aintasking?recruited_by_id=cc35bdd0-221f-11f0-90ad-a38df754dfc8&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_medium=native

#SchoolMeals
#FreeSchoolMeals

The roll-out of the programme has now been completed across Wales, meaning every child up to and including Year 6 is now able to receive a free school meal every school day.

The Welsh Government set out the commitment in 2021 as part of its efforts to tackle child poverty. Since its launch, nearly 30 million meals have been served and this new rollout entitles 176,000 more learners to a free school meal.

Free school meals also help reduce health inequalities, promote healthy eating, and have the potential to boost social skills at mealtimes, help improve behaviour, and improve attainment of learners. Local authorities have also been supported and encouraged to source food locally, where possible.

Work is underway to review Regulations which set out the types of food and drink that may be provided during the school day , including defining the nutrient content of school lunches.  

First Minster, Eluned Morgan said:

“A healthy school meal is vital in ensuring that no child feels hungry during the school day, helping their concentration and wellbeing and enabling them to achieve their full potential. Free school meals are also providing welcome support to families and helping tackle child poverty.

This is a momentous occasion for children here in Wales. I’m incredibly proud that Wales has become the first UK nation to offer free school meals to all primary pupils.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle added:

“We are ensuring that no primary school child will go hungry at school, and I am thankful for our local authorities and schools for helping to make this a reality.

“I have seen the difference that this offer has already made for children and families firsthand. This is an important step we have taken to tackle child poverty, and I will continue to work to make certain that we have the best school food offer in the UK.”

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/04/roll-out-of-free-school-meals-for-all-primary-school-children-in-wales-complete/

#ElunedMorganMS #freeSchoolMeals #WelshGovernment