What is Pupil Premium?
The Pupil Premium is additional funding to help schools close the attainment gap between children from low-income and other disadvantaged families and their peers. If a child is eligible for free school meals (FSM) at any point over the past 6 years or has been looked after for one day or more (Child Looked After) the school receives an amount per head within their budget. A provision is also made for children who have a parent in the armed services. This money is allocated to improve pupil attainment and to help overcome any barriers to learning. Nationally, the statistics show that pupils who are in receipt of FSM do less well than their peers. The aim of this money is to try to close the attainment gap. In making provision for socially disadvantaged children, we recognise that not all children who receive FSM will be socially disadvantaged, and we also recognise that not all children who are socially disadvantaged are registered or qualify for FSM! We are committed to ensuring maximum progress for all groups of children and strive to close any gaps in achievement.
Pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium need to be aged 4 and over, in year groups to year 11 in a maintained school.
Pupil Premium is allocated straight to the school and it is clearly identifiable. Schools are free to spend the Pupil Premium as they feel is appropriate. The government thinks that schools are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for individual pupils within their responsibility. However all schools will be held accountable for how they have used additional funding to support pupils from low-income families and in care.
The schools must report and publicise annually how the money has been spent and what the impact has been made on the achievements of the pupils.