The Purpose of Pupil Premium
The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their more financially affluent peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most.
The DfE says:
Schools are free to spend the pupil premium as they see fit. However, they will be held accountable for how they have used the additional funding to support pupils from low-income families. New measures will be included in the performance tables that will capture the achievement of those deprived pupils covered by the pupil premium.
How can parents and carers contribute to the success of the Pupil Premium scheme?
If your child is eligible for free school meals, it is worth registering them even if they're not going to have the school lunch or if they are entitled to a free dinner under the governments Universal Infant Free School Meal scheme. It will have a direct impact on the funding and will maximize the support we can provide.
Parental support and involvement is a key factor in raising standards. If you would like help or advice with supporting your child, or if you are unsure how to apply to register for free school meals, please contact the office.
Who is entitled to Free School Meals?
Your child may be entitled to Free School Meals, if you receive any of the following:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit