Pupil Premium
PUPIL PREMIUM
Pupil Premium is additional funding allocated to schools to help schools improve outcomes for disadvantaged students. The funding is allocated to students who have been eligible for free school meals (FSM) at any point during the last six years (also known as Ever 6 FSM) and for children whose parents are currently serving in the armed forces.
The funding contributes to a wide range of resources aimed at diminishing the gap in performance. For example, intervention in core subjects, a strong student support team (ACE) and opportunities for extended school activities.
PRINCIPLES
All members of staff and governors accept responsibility for ‘disadvantaged’ students and are committed to meet their pastoral, social and academic needs within a caring environment. As with every child in our care, each child that is ‘disadvantaged’ is valued, respected and entitled to develop their full potential.
BACKGROUND
Pupil Premium is extra funding that targets students from deprived backgrounds. Research shows that a disproportionate number of disadvantaged students underachieve compared to their non-disadvantaged peers. The funding is provided to support these students and help them reach their potential. The DFE use students who are entitled to free school meals (FSM), children of service personnel and looked after children as indicators for deprivation. It allocates a fixed amount of money to schools for each student in these categories. The Government does not stipulate how schools spend this money, but it is made clear that it must be used to employ strategies that will support disadvantaged students and increase their level of attainment.
PROVISION
In order to meet the above requirements, Taverham High ensures that provision is made to secure the teaching and learning opportunities of all students. As part of the additional provision made for students who belong to the vulnerable groups, the school will ensure that the needs of socially disadvantaged students are adequately addressed.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of 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)
- Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.
Further information can be found here.
The Free School Meals Team can be contacted on 01603 222518 or 01603 223051 for further advice and guidance.