The Pupil Premium funding from the Department of Education is given to schools to support pupils who qualify for the funding, such as children who are looked after or are entitled to free school meals, (not to be confused with Universal Free School Meals, which are currently available to all children in Reception to Year Two). At our school, we use the funding to support and challenge the learning of these pupils, so that they make at least good progress in the core areas. We also use the money to support the well-being of our pupils who are entitled to the funding, and therefore use the money to cover the cost of additional curriculum opportunities, such as clubs and trips.
As a school, we continually evaluate the success of this funding in securing the pupil’s academic progress; ensuring that there is no attainment gap between the outcomes achieved for our pupils who qualify for the funding and other pupils nationally and within the school.
Pupil Premium Strategy 2021-2024 (Updated January 2023)
All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 can receive school meals at no cost to you. This is a universal entitlement for all infant aged children. In addition, every child whose parent is receiving one of the welfare benefits listed will be eligible for Pupil Premium funding. This is extra money for the school, provided by the government, to pay for targeted support for learning.
Entitlement to Free School Meals for children in school in Year 3 and above is not universal. You will need to make a separate application and your eligibility will be dependent on the benefits that you receive.
You must be in receipt of one of the below benefits to be eligible for a Free School Meal for your child/children.
Income Support
Employment & Support Allowance – Income-related
Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance (NOT Contribution Based JSA)
Child Tax Credit only (with a combined family income of less than £16,190 per annum as assessed by HM Revenues & Customs) Please note, anyone receiving Working Tax Credit, regardless of income, will NOT qualify for FSMs.
Working Tax Credit run-on – paid 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit
National Asylum Seekers Support (NASS)
Guaranteed Element of Pension Tax Credit
You can register and find out if your child is eligible by visiting the Citizens Portal. The system is quick and simple to use and can be accessed via a smartphone or handheld device. If you qualify, please show the Application Summary to your school on your smartphone or print a copy for your school.
Please register with the portal, even if you have applied and been unsuccessful in the past. By doing so we will have your contact details and can inform you straight away if your eligibility changes.
