Free school milk in Wales could end as consultation runs

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on the future of free milk in primary schools. It could set up a new Welsh scheme or end free school milk altogether.

What is changing

Under the School Milk Subsidy Scheme, children from Reception to Year 2 currently get free milk, while pupils in Years 3–6 get subsidised milk. The scheme is run on behalf of the Welsh Government by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

In April 2024, the RPA told the Welsh Government it would stop running the scheme in the devolved nations. In Wales it will stop after 31 March 2027. The Welsh Government therefore has to decide what happens from April 2027.

The consultation

The consultation opened on 26 October 2026 and runs for 10 weeks, until 4 January 2027. Among other things, the government asks whether a dedicated milk scheme should continue and, if so, how it should work. It also asks about the effects of ending it and how far existing school food provision could keep milk available to children.

According to the children's rights impact assessment, two options are being considered: ending the scheme, or a new Welsh scheme funded through the Local Authority Education Grant from April 2027. The results will be used to decide the next steps.

What about milk in schools

The Welsh Government says milk will remain available to primary-age children whatever the outcome. It can be obtained at breakfast clubs and at lunchtime through the Universal Primary Free School Meals offer. The change will not affect milk for pre-school children, which is covered by the separate Nursery Milk Scheme.

What this means for you

The changes may affect parents whose children attend primary schools in Wales, for example in Cardiff or Swansea. No decision has been made yet. Parents can take part in the consultation, which is open until 4 January 2027.