Breakfast club and secondary school dinner prices set to rise in September

The cost of a school meal in secondary schools are set to increase after the summer holidays.

It comes as Wrexham Council can no longer afford to “fully absorb the massive cost increases” of goods caused by inflation.

With the exception of The Maelor School, Penley, the cost of a school dinner will increase from £2.45 to £2.65 in local secondary schools from September.

The price of other menu items will be subject to equivalent increases.

It will be the first time the price of a secondary school dinner has risen since September 2019.

Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education, said the rising cost of every day ingredients has led to the change.

Cllr Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said: “Secondary school meal prices have remained unchanged since September 2019 when they increased from £2.40 to £2.45.

“In contrast, food prices in the UK are up 26% compared with their pre-Covid levels, while prices of everyday items such as potatoes, eggs, milk, bread and cheese have increased by up to 39% in the last 12 months.

“Unfortunately we can no longer afford to fully absorb these massive cost increases.

“By keeping this price increase below inflation we have tried to protect pupils and parents against the full impact of rising food costs.

“The “meal of the day” option still offers good value for money and even after this increase, the price of a secondary school meal in Wrexham remains in line with those of other local authorities in north Wales.

“However, 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.‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​”

School meals in primary schools will be free for all pupils from the start of the September term.

However many primary schools in Wrexham offer a free breakfast at a session in the 30 minutes before the start of school.

Whilst there will continue to be no charge for this meal, to supplement the free breakfast session, many schools offer an additional 30 minute play session and charge parents £1 per child.

While this rate has remained unchanged since the provision was introduced in 2018, Wrexham Council say that “due to increased staffing and administrative costs, and the fact that the council receives no external funding, this is no longer sustainable.”

As a result the fee per child for the 30 minute play session will increase to £2 per child (50p for children who are eligible for free school meals) from September 1, 2023.

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.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council said: “We know this 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 their school for the details.

“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.”

Last year we were told the Mayor Making buffet for councillors had a budget of £7.50 per head and was put together by the council’s school meal service team.