What targets has the Minister set in order to determine whether the universal free school meal programme has been a success?
Our immediate focus, and the focus of our partners, is on rolling out this programme to all pupils in primary schools. All local authorities are on track to deliver by September 2024 – within the lifetime of the Co-Operation Agreement.
I have committed funding to support an independent evaluation of the Universal Primary Free School Meals programme. In addition to implementation, a key focus for this evaluation will be on exploring uptake and emerging impacts.
The universal provision of free school meals in primary schools is being carried out in collaboration with Siân Gwenllian MS, the Plaid Cymru lead designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.