TEACHERS in Wales are campaigning for every schoolchild to receive two free school meals a day and for more government funding targeting pupils from poor families.

The NEU Cymru policy conference in Swansea called on the Welsh government to make sure “no child is left behind” by the education system at the union’s annual conference at the weekend. 

Senior Wales policy officer for NEU Cymru Mary van den Heuvel said: “Our members have rightly highlighted the challenge of child poverty here in Wales. 

“Socio-economic factors coupled with other types of inequality have a significant impact on children and their learning.

“We have seen the impact that Welsh government has had in rolling out universal free school meals to all primary aged children, and it is critical that a meal is available to all children — regardless of their age/phase of education.

“Schools can’t support children alone; they need funding and help from a range of community-based services.

“We look forward to working with the Welsh government on these critical issues.”