What is Pupil Premium Funding?

This is additional pupil funding given for to schools to target pupils who area facing the greatest disadvantage. This includes children from low income families, looked after children and those with parents in the armed forces. Eligibility for pupil premium has also been extended to pupils who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last 6 years (known as the Ever6 Free school meals measure).
 

Objectives of Pupil Premium Expenditure

Our key objective is using the pupil premium grant to narrow the gap between pupil groups. As a school, we have a good track record of ensuring that pupils make good progress. Historically levels of attainment are lower for FSM children nationally. This is not the case in all of our year groups, but varies considerably between cohorts. Through targeted interventions, we are working to eliminate barriers to learning and progress.

The DfE has given us the freedom to use the Pupil premium as we see fit, based upon our knowledge of our pupil needs.  “It is for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium, allocated to schools per FSM pupil, is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.” However, we are accountable for the use of this additional funding. 

Key Principles

Building Belief: We will provide a culture where: staff believe in ALL children, there are “no excuses” made for underperformance, staff adopt a “solution-focused” approach to overcoming barriers, staff support children to develop growth mind-sets towards learning.

Analysing Data We will ensure that: All staff are involved in the analysis of data so that they are fully aware of strengths and weaknesses across the school. We use research (such as the EEF Toolkit) to support us in determining the strategies that will be most effective.  

Identification of Pupils

We will ensure that:

• ALL teaching staff and support staff are involved in analysis of data and identification of pupils.
• ALL staff are aware of who pupil premium and vulnerable children are.
• ALL pupil premium children benefit from the funding, not just those who are underperforming.
• Underachievement at all levels is targeted (not just lower attaining pupils).
• Children’s individual needs are considered carefully so that we provide support for those children who could be doing “even better if…..”

Individualising support 

We believe all pupils should benefit from receiving intervention at the right time. This will differ across the school, but we respond to needs and progress checks to ensure everyone gets what they need.