The government has concluded 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 peers by ensuring that protected funding to tackle inequality reaches the pupils who need it most.
The pupil premium was introduced in April 2011 and is allocated to schools to work with pupils who have been registered for free school meals at any point in the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6 FSM’). Schools also receive funding for children who have been looked after continuously for more than 1 day, and children of service personnel.
The school receives up to £1320 for each pupil who meets the criteria for pupil premium funding.
Eligibility for free school meals is something that can be easily overlooked, particularly for those who may not feel that they want to take up the offer of a school lunch. We would encourage all families who feel that they may qualify for free school meals to investigate further and make an application. The additional funding the school receives can be used in a number of ways to enhance the provision that we offer for all children, but particularly for those who come from low income families.
Pupil Premium funding can be used at the school’s discretion but in the past has been allocated towards provision for additional staffing, to fund extra-curricular activities and clubs and to subsidise the cost of educational visits and residential trips. We are continually exploring how we can best allocate the money to have maximum impact on the children targeted. Find more information about how we have used the Pupil Premium to support children's development on the 'Key Information' menu or by clicking on the link below.
If you feel that you may qualify for free school meals please speak to the office staff who can check your eligibility. You will be asked to provide your National Insurance number and Date of Birth. Please take the time to consider your eligibility for the funding stream and do feel free to contact the office if you have any further questions. A copy of the application form can be found below.