**Welsh Schools Grapple with the Challenges of Providing a Healthy Start to Pupils’ Lives**
As the academic year draws to a close at Ysgol Bryn Teg in Llanelli, a mix of nostalgia and anticipation is palpable throughout the school corridors. For pupils in Year 6, this marks the end of their primary school journey—a chapter filled with formative experiences and fond memories that have shaped their young lives, now giving way to the unknowns of secondary school. Yet behind the end-of-year rituals and laughter, a significant issue persists: ensuring every child begins the day with a nourishing meal.
Primary schools are often at the heart of efforts to promote good health and wellbeing among children. At Ysgol Bryn Teg, core values such as ‘Respect, Wellbeing, and Independence’ underpin the ethos, with the motto ‘reach for the stars’ serving as a daily reminder of their aspirations. But the reality for many families in 2025 is fraught with increasing financial and logistical obstacles, making the provision of healthy breakfasts and snacks far from straightforward.
One prominent solution has come in the form of external support, with Ysgol Bryn Teg among approximately 400 schools UK-wide benefitting from free fruit and vegetables supplied by Tesco’s Stronger Starts initiative. This programme allocates over £8 million per year to community groups and educational establishments, aiming to bridge the gap left by shrinking school budgets. According to Tesco, an estimated 80% of schools across the country currently struggle to provide adequate food for their pupils, an issue exacerbated by recent economic pressures.
In Wales, concerted efforts since 2022 have led to the distribution of more than 50 million free school meals to primary pupils. Such measures are a lifeline for thousands of families, but deeper systemic issues remain. For some children, the prospect of a school-provided breakfast club is what stands between them and starting the school day hungry—a state that can hinder both their physical health and ability to concentrate in lessons.
At Ysgol Bryn Teg, a breakfast club opens its doors at 8.15am, serving a selection of toast, fruit, and yoghurt. The provision doesn’t end there: fruit is supplied during mid-morning breaks, and younger pupils in the ‘Camau Bach’ class can expect fruit and milk after lunch, with occasional treats before term ends. Headteacher Geraint Jones points out that the school has adapted well to financial tightening over the past few years, relying on grants like Tesco’s and revising expenditure to maintain its commitment to wellbeing.
“We have had to make difficult choices due to cuts, including reducing staff numbers and reviewing spending,” Mr Jones revealed. “The grant has allowed us to continue offering something essential. Providing a safe haven for our children starts with meeting their basic needs, and that includes access to healthy food.”
The pupils themselves attest to the importance of these efforts. Head boy James commented, “Knowing you can get something to eat at school takes away the worry of being hungry, especially if you skip breakfast or can’t have it at home.” Deputy head boy Samuel echoed this, highlighting the link between nutrition and focus in class: “Healthy food means you can concentrate and work hard.” Other school leaders shared similar sentiments, underlining just how integral these provisions are to their daily experience.
Out of the school’s more than 260 pupils, around 50 attend the free breakfast club regularly, for reasons ranging from parental work commitments to financial hardship at home. The impact of these services extends beyond nutrition—they foster an inclusive environment and help pupils begin their day on equal footing.
The school’s dedication has been formally recognised, having received the National Quality Award within the Healthy Schools Scheme for its commitment to pupil health and wellbeing. Achievements like this do not come without challenges. Headteacher Jones reflected on the enduring impact of the pandemic and the ongoing need for community and organisational support to keep initiatives like Stronger Starts viable in the long term.
As the final days of the term unfold, classrooms are alive with activity and camaraderie. In the ‘Camau Bach’ class, one boy gleefully tries a banana for the first time, encouraged by his peers and teachers—a fleeting moment that encapsulates the broader significance of what schools like Ysgol Bryn Teg strive to achieve daily. For Year 6 students moving on, the legacy of their school’s efforts will hopefully continue to benefit them as they embark on new educational adventures.
While the holidays provide a welcome respite, the importance of these initiatives remains undiminished. As economic uncertainties continue, schools across Wales will need greater support and innovative solutions to guarantee every child receives the healthy start they so deserve.