🍽️ Exciting news for Swansea’s primary schools! The initiative to provide free meals to every child just took a big step forward, though with a surprising twist. Originally predicted to cost £5.86 million, the upgrades to school kitchens and dining halls have now shot up to a whopping £11.48 million, thanks to construction price hikes and additional unexpected requirements. 🏗️
With the aim to roll out universal free school meals, the Welsh Government previously set aside a large funding pot. However, Swansea found itself £3.29 million short of the needed total. Luckily, cabinet members have now put their foot down and committed to covering this gap, making sure our kids won’t miss out on a hearty meal at school. 👶🥦
So, what’s causing these hefty costs? Improvements are hotter in four schools – Waun Wen, Brynhyfryd, Townhill, and Mayals where more investments were needed, apart from St Joseph’s Cathedral, which saw a smaller rise. Projects are set to wrap up between now and the end of 2026, though some detailing issues have caused re-tendering, adding more complexity to the task. 🏫🔧
In fact, Swansea’s not alone. Across Wales, 11 councils have also asked for extra funding to meet their kitchen upgrade goals. The Welsh Government has generously backed this with £70.5 million in funding to date, reiterating its commitment to improving school facilities so every child gets a hot meal during school hours – a crucial uplift, especially for those in need. 🥘🏫
Council leader Rob Stewart expressed that this project is “absolutely the right thing to do”. The initiative promises to enhance not just nutrition but social interaction and behaviour too. With Swansea Council and the Welsh Government working closely, our little ones can look forward to enjoying nutritious meals in revamped dining spaces. 🙌🌟
Stay tuned for more updates as this project unfolds, and keep an eye out for that heartening moment when every pupil in Swansea can tuck into a meal, worry-free! 🥳👶🍏