Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education
I am pleased to confirm that today I have laid the Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Maintained Primary Schools) (Wales) Regulations 2025 before the Senedd. These Regulations will:
- Strengthen standards for food and drink provided in maintained nursery and primary schools across Wales.
- Support access to healthier, balanced choices for learners, ensuring closer alignment with the latest nutritional guidance.
The laying of these Regulations marks a further important step toward improved health and wellbeing of children and young people in Wales. They reflect a process of co-production between partners which began over 12 months ago and, importantly, reflect the feedback received during public consultation over the summer. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders, including children and young people, parents and carers, local authorities, schools, and health professionals, who contributed their views. Their input has been invaluable.
Universal Primary Free School Meals is already a transformational offer and has delivered over 57 million meals since September 2022. These revised standards raise the bar further, maximising the impact of the scheme by ensuring higher standards and meals with increased nutritional value. These efforts align with our ambitions to tackle child poverty, reduce inequalities, and improve attainment and wellbeing.
On 10 December 2025 I announced an increase to the rate paid per Universal Primary Free School Meal, from £3.20 to £3.40. This reflects the priority we place on delivering a quality offer in the face of rising costs and helps ensure our learners have the best possible start.
The Regulations will come into force on 31 October 2026, allowing sufficient time for schools and local authorities to prepare for implementation.
Further details, including the full text of the Regulations is available here