Low free school meal and childcare take-up

Around eight per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) in Monmouthshire have taken up the offer.

There are around 1,225 pupils attending a Monmouthshire school who are eligible for FSM. However, on average this week only 100 a day have been taking up the offer.

This week FSM pupils were able to visit one of the school hubs between 12pm and 2pm to access either a hot meal or a sandwich “grab and go” option.

The council is currently in the process of reviewing its FSM offer for future weeks.

On top of the low take-up of free school meals, there has also been a take-up of childcare for children of key workers.

The council opened up nine school hubs at the beginning of the week to cater for children of key workers.

However, on Wednesday the council made the decision to close two of the hubs because of a lack of demand.

The seven childcare school hubs available to pupils are:

• Deri View Primary, Abergavenny
• Llanfoist Primary, Abergavenny
• Dewstow Primary, Caldicot
• Rogiet Primary, near Caldicot
• Thornwell Primary, Chepstow
• Overmonnow Primary, Monmmouth
• Raglan Primary

For up to date information on FSM and childcare provision in Monmouthshire visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/services/planning-for-emergencies/coronavirus/