What plans does the Minister have to introduce a domestic replacement to the EU School Subsidy Scheme given that the rollover of funding expires at the end of this academic year, and what plans does the Welsh Government have to consult with stakeholders on the details of this new scheme?
The annual EU subsidy for school milk ceased with effect from 15 October 2020. The loss of the EU subsidy has not impacted operationally on the school milk scheme in Wales, which continues to operate in participating schools fully funded for the Foundation Phase, and subsidised in Key Stage 2 by the Welsh Government.
The scheme in Wales is more generous than the scheme in the rest of the UK as uniquely we provide free school milk to children in the Foundation Phase in participating schools. I have agreed to funding of £3.2m for the scheme in the current financial year.