The Welsh Government is asking the public whether free school milk for the youngest primary school children should be discontinued. The scheme, which costs £3m a year, currently provides free milk to pupils in reception and years one and two, with subsidised milk offered to those in years three to six.
Scheme running since 1977
The programme is run by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) on behalf of the Welsh Government and has operated in Wales since 1977, two decades before devolution. The current arrangement is due to end from the start of April 2027, prompting a 10-week consultation on its future, including the option of ending free milk provision.
The consultation is seeking views on whether the Welsh school milk scheme should be established or if free school milk provision should be discontinued.
Potential impact and evidence gaps
An impact assessment accompanying the consultation says that ending the scheme would free up the £3m a year spent on it for other educational, health or anti-poverty priorities. However, it also notes there is no evidence on whether pupils who currently receive free school milk would drink the same amount through school meals.
The assessment states: "There is insufficient evidence to determine whether learners currently accessing milk through the SMSS would consume equivalent quantities if the dedicated scheme ceased. As a result, some learners may have fewer opportunities to access milk during the school day, although the extent of any resulting health impact is uncertain."
It adds: "Milk provides protein and a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin A, B vitamins, iodine and vitamin D, which support healthy growth and development and contribute to healthy bones and teeth. However, available evidence suggests that any population-level nutritional impacts of discontinuing the scheme are likely to be limited, as these nutrients may also be obtained through other dietary sources and wider school food provision."
Consultation launched
Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, 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. 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 will run for 10 weeks.
