Free school milk could be scrapped as Welsh Government reviews scheme

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Free and subsidised milk in Welsh primary schools could be scrapped from next April, under proposals being considered by the Welsh Government.

A ten-week public consultation has opened to decide whether to set up a new dedicated Welsh scheme or bring the provision to an end.

Currently, the School Milk Subsidy Scheme provides free milk to pupils from Reception to Year 2, with subsidised milk offered to children in Years 3 to 6.

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The service is administered by the UK Government’s Rural Payments Agency on behalf of the Welsh Government, but the agency will withdraw from running the scheme in Wales after March 31.

Ministers are considering whether to replace it with a devolved Welsh scheme or discontinue mid-morning school milk provision entirely.

But regardless of the outcome, milk will still be available to primary school children through breakfast clubs and at lunchtime under the Universal Primary Free School Meals rollout.

Anna Brychan, the Welsh Government’s education minister, said: “Milk has long played a part in supporting the health and wellbeing of our youngest learners, and I want to make sure any decisions about its future are based on the fullest possible evidence.

“That’s why I’m launching this consultation today, to hear directly from schools, parents, learners and the farming and dairy sectors.”

Ms Brychan added: “I would encourage everyone with a view on this issue to take part in the consultation and help inform our decision and way forward.”

The consultation closes on January 4, 2027.

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