Free Milk Scheme at Local Playgroup Celebrated by AM
News Release (revised version of previous release dated 25th February 2013 )
27th February 2013
Assembly Member for Wrexham Lesley Griffiths has praised the achievement of the free school milk scheme.
The scheme was first introduced in the 1940s and AM Griffiths is keen to highlight its continued success by visiting pupils at Hafod y Wern Playgroup in Wrexham on 8th March 2013.
In Wales, school milk is free for children in day care or primary education under the age of seven, and subsidised for school students aged seven to 11.
Milk is delivered fresh and chilled to the classroom, distributed by students and consumed as a group. This process aids children’s social development, including responsibility, independence and manners. The water it contains can help prevent dehydration improving concentration, memory and creativity in class.
There are numerous health benefits associated with milk and the nutrients it has to offer. It is essential for healthy bone growth and helps the development and maintenance of teeth.
Cool Milk is the UK’s leading school, nursery and pre-school milk provider. Managing Director John Sedgwick said: “Drinking milk in the classroom or in childcare settings is an important part of children’s educational and learning experience and can provide a significant proportion of essential daily nutrients.
“The scheme currently funds free milk for around 1.5 million children under five years old in 55,000 childcare settings throughout Great Britain and we’re delighted the Assembly Member is showing her support for it.”
Commenting Lesley Griffiths said: “Milk is an important part of a child’s diet. The School Milk Scheme and the Nursery Milk Scheme are vital as they enable most children access to fresh milk every day.
“Companies like Cool Milk are available to partner the local authorities throughout Wales to help with the administrative issues and ultimately deliver the milk schemes to childcare settings hassle free.
“The children at Hafod Y Wern Playgroup will no doubt feel the benefits from the scheme. Subsidies are available and essential and I would urge schools, nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups to take advantage of the grant so more and more members of Wrexham’s younger generation can reap the rewards of this once in a lifetime opportunity to build strong healthy bodies.”
Lesley Griffiths AM will be attending Hafod Y Wern Playgroup, Hafod Y Wern School, Deva Way, Wrexham, LL13 9HD on 8th March at 9.15am to help serve milk to the children. Photo and interview opportunities will be available on the day. To confirm your attendance or for more information call Kate Strawson at Shooting Star PR on M: 07733 230293 T: 01522 528540 or E: kate@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Cool Milk is the UK’s leading school milk supplier, working in partnership with local authorities and early years groups to supply free and subsidised school milk to children in pre-schools, nurseries, and primary schools across the UK.
- Its aim is to provide every child in early years and primary education with the opportunity to drink fresh milk every day.
- The Cool Milk scheme is administration friendly and cost-free, and is designed to make providing school milk quick and simple for schools and nurseries.
- For more information visit www.coolmilk.com
- For the top ten reasons to drink school milk go to www.coolmilk.com/whyschoolmilk
Kate Strawson
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
kate@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @KateStrawson
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