Posted on: Wednesday 10 July 2024
Children set to start reception education in September have been treated to a special lunchtime experience at a primary school in Cwmbran.
For the first time, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran invited the nursery children and their parents to experience a two-course lunch in the school dining hall as part of their preparation for full-time education.
The aim was to introduce the children to the canteen staff and area and to highlight the kind of food options available for free to all primary school pupils in Torfaen, as part of the Welsh Government’s Universal Free School Meals scheme.
Parents had the opportunity to see the variety of foods available, including the pasta bar and hot meal options, and observed their children as they practised essential skills such as handling plates and cutlery and cutting food.
Mariana Griffin, who attended with her son Ioan, thanked the school for the invite, saying: “It was wonderful to join our children and experience their first school lunch. The food choices were excellent, and my son really enjoyed it.”
Emily Hackwood, whose son Arthur has certain food allergies, added: “I appreciated the opportunity to speak with staff in person and clarify any concerns I had.
“We can now continue to prepare Arthur for his transition over the summer holidays by adopting the same routine at home so that he can feel comfortable and settled when he starts school in September.”
Council’s catering team was one of the first in Wales to introduce Universal Free School Meals to all primary school aged children in September 2023.
Cllr Richard Clark, Torfaen Council Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “This was a great opportunity for the nursery pupils and parents to see what lunchtimes will be like for them from September and to experience some of the delicious and nutritionally-balanced food provided by our catering service. It will hopefully allay any concerns they may or their parents may have had about school lunchtimes.
“Our catering service is always willing to meet with parents at any primary school to discuss meal options and any dietary requirements to ensure every pupil can benefit from Universal Free School Meals.”
Parents signing their children up for Universal Free School Meals for the first time must complete a Torfaen catering service form.
From completing the form, some children may be eligible to receive a Schools Essentials grant which helps towards covering the costs of school uniform, P.E kit and other essential equipment.
Torfaen Council’s #NotInMissOut campaign celebrates the benefits of regular school attendance.
As well as enabling children to spend time quality time with their friends, school meals ensure no child misses out on nutritious options while learning.
For more information on school meals, visit the
Torfaen Council website.