Pupils of Ysgol y Waun, Chirk, quiz Clwyd South MS Ken Skates

Pupils got the chance to put their local Member of the Senedd on the spot when he visited Ysgol y Waun in Chirk.

Ken Skates MS was quizzed by members of the school council on Friday morning (June 24).

He said: “It was brilliant to get back to Ysgol y Waun. It’s a fantastic school with a really happy, caring environment, and the children were really enthusiastic. I’d like to thank teacher Amy Roberts, deputy head Steph Rodgers and most of all the children for their warm welcome.”

Mr Skates was asked a wide range of questions, including what inspired him get into politics, what he does day-to-day and what is favourite subject was at school. When he asked the pupils about issues that concerned them, responses included global warming and petrol prices.

Cllr Frank Hemmings, chair of governors, said: “It was great to welcome Ken back to our school. We’re really proud of what we do and the atmosphere the teachers and staff have created, and it was really good to give our local Member of the Senedd a taste of that.”

Earlier in the week, the Welsh Government confirmed children in reception classes in Wales will begin to receive universal primary free school meals from as early as September.

As part of their Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Government is committed to implementing the scheme as quickly as possible in response to the cost-of-living crisis, and are working with local authorities. Funding of £225m has been set aside to meet the commitment for every primary school pupil to receive a free school meal by 2024.

From September, the Welsh Government will fund local councils to begin rolling out their offer of a free, nutritious school meal, starting with their youngest learners. Most schools in Wales will be ready to commence the roll-out for the start of the next academic year.