ONLY around eight per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals in Monmouthshire have been taking up the offer while schools are off due to the coronavirus outbreak.

There are around 1,225 pupils attending a Monmouthshire school who are eligible to receive free meals. However, on average this week only 100 a day have been taking up the offer.

This week pupils were able to visit one of a number of school hubs between midday and 2pm to get either a hot meal or a sandwich “grab and go” option.

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The council is currently in the process of reviewing its free school meals offer offer for future weeks.

There has also been a low take-up of childcare for children of key workers.

The council opened up nine school hubs at the beginning of the week to cater for children of key workers.

However, on Wednesday the council made the decision to close two of the hubs because of a lack of demand.

The seven childcare school hubs available to pupils are:

  • Deri View Primary, Abergavenny
  • Llanfoist Primary, Abergavenny
  • Dewstow Primary, Caldicot
  • Rogiet Primary, near Caldicot
  • Thornwell Primary, Chepstow
  • Overmonnow Primary, Monmmouth
  • Raglan Primary

For up to date information on free school meals and childcare provision in Monmouthshire visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/services/planning-for-emergencies/coronavirus/