Dear Families,

Many primary schools in Wrexham offer a free breakfast at a session in the 30 minutes before the start of school. Please be reassured that there will continue to be no charge for this meal.

However, to supplement the free breakfast session, many schools offer an additional 30 minute play session and charge parents £2 per child (£0.50 to children who are eligible for free school meals).

While this rate had remained unchanged since the provision was introduced in 2018 and changed in September 2023, due to further increased staffing and administrative costs, current budget position and the fact that the council receives no external funding we are having to review our charging structure further.

To make sure that schools are able to continue to provide these sessions, the fee per child for the 30 minute play session will increase to £3 per child (£1 for children who are eligible for free school meals) with effect from April 1, 2024.

This increase does not affect the 30 minute breakfast session immediately prior to the start of the school day, which remains free for all children.

We appreciate this further review comes at a time when many residents are finding household costs a challenge. If you are struggling to meet your household costs, please visit Wrexham Council’s ‘help with the cost of living’ pages for advice on any other help you may be able to access. Welsh Government also have a cost of living help web page, which provides information of sources of possible financial support. 

Help with the cost of living | Wrexham County Borough Council

Get help with the cost of living | GOV.WALES

If you would like your child to attend a breakfast session, please contact their school for the details.

Are you eligible for free school meals?

If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to free school meals as well as the School Essentials grant to help with buying school uniform and equipment. Please visit the story below to find out more: Universal Primary Free School Meals scheme rolls out to Years 3 to 6 - Wrexham Council News

Kind regards,

Spencer Williams 

Headteacher