Good Morning, Whilst I really don’t like to be the bearer of bad news, I have been asked to share the following information with parents/carers. Please note that this is a decision made by Wrexham County Borough Council’s Executive board and not school. Kind Regards, Mrs Billington Pennaeth
Changes to charges for morning play session in primary schools
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 the charge to parents for this is £2 per child (£1 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.
If you would like your child to attend a breakfast session, please contact 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.
Applying for Free School Meals actually helps schools too as extra funding is included in budgets to support learners.
If you think you may be entitled please contact school for further details, information will be held in the strictest confidence.