Wales considers ending free school milk in primary schools from April 2027
The Welsh Government is seeking views on the future of the school milk scheme. The RPA will stop running it after 31 March 2027, so it could be continued in a new form or ended.
Author: Thames Compass editorial teamPublished: 2 min read
Contents
The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on the future of free school milk. The scheme has run in Wales since the 1970s, but the way it is currently run is about to end.
How the scheme works today
Under the School Milk Subsidy Scheme, pupils from Reception to Year 2 receive milk free of charge. Pupils in Years 3 to 6 get subsidised milk. According to Welsh Government documents, pupils in special schools can also receive milk, and participation depends on the school.
The scheme is run on the Welsh Government's behalf by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). In April 2024 the agency said it would stop providing these services to the devolved nations, including Wales. After 31 March 2027 it will no longer run the scheme in Wales.
Two options
The Welsh Government is considering two solutions:
- Option 1: a new grant-funded scheme delivered by local authorities from April 2027. It would keep the current entitlements to free and subsidised milk. It would also replace the claims-based system, which is intended to reduce the administrative burden.
- Option 2: ending the separate milk scheme.
The consultation runs for 10 weeks. Government documents say the policy review takes account of changes to school food: universal free school meals in primary schools (Universal Primary Free School Meals) and free breakfasts.
Milk will remain available
The Welsh Government says that, whatever the outcome of the consultation, milk will remain available to primary-age children. It will be offered at breakfast clubs and at lunchtime through universal free primary school meals.
The decision will not affect current arrangements for pre-school children. They are covered by a separate scheme, the Nursery Milk Scheme.
What this means for you
The changes affect families with children in primary schools in Wales. Nothing has been decided yet, as the consultation is under way. Parents can check the Welsh Government website to see how to take part. The documents do not describe the rules in England or Scotland.
Sources
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Photos
- Cover: „cereals, cup, muesli, mug, cup of muesli”, author: shixugang, licence Pixabay Content License; cropped or resized.
- Photo 1: „students, classroom, to learn, school, children”, author: ludi, licence Pixabay Content License; cropped or resized.
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