THE EDUCATION Minister has praised a "fantastic" Flintshire high school after a visit. 

Welsh Education Minister Jeremy Miles visited Ysgol Treffynnon (Holywell) alongside First Minister Mark Drakeford on Friday to promote the free school meals scheme.

The Welsh Government has pledged £24m to ensure that free school meals are available to all eligible children in the Easter, Whitsun and summer school holidays this year.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Miles praised the "incredibly impressive" Ysgol Treffynnon. 

"The work that the school is doing with the community is fantastic," he said. 

"I've seen first-hand in classrooms today the brilliant work they're doing, and have spoken to pupils who are really enjoying their studies. 

"It's been such a tough couple of years for schools across Wales, and I want to congratulate Ysgol Treffynnon on the work they are doing."

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Mr Miles said extending the free school meals scheme to cover the school holidays is a vital step in mitigating the effects of the cost of living crisis

"We know how tough the cost of living crisis is on families across Wales, including here in Flintshire," he said. 

"And as a government we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to support families. School holidays are a particularly tough time for families, and that's why we've extended the free school meals scheme to cover these periods."

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Mr Miles said the Welsh Government has seen an increase in the number of children becoming eligible for free school meals, and he anticipates this number to continue to grow. 

"We've been able to meet that increase over the last couple of years. We plan to offer free school meals to all primary school children in the next two years, and in the meantime - the government's acting to support the families most in need."

Regarding the Ukrainian refugee crisis, and Wales' role in taking in refugees, Mr Miles said Wales is a "nation of sanctuary", which will "extend the hand of friendship" to all fleeing the war.