Pupil Premium at St Joseph’s
The Pupil Premium is extra funding given to schools by the government in England to help improve the education of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The funding is aimed at narrowing the gap in academic achievement between students from low-income families and their peers.
Who is eligible for Pupil Premium?
Your child may be eligible for Pupil Premium funding if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Free School Meals (FSM): If your child is currently receiving free school meals, or if they have received them in the past six years (this is sometimes referred to as “Ever 6 FSM”).
- Looked After Children (LAC): If your child is in care (looked after by the local authority).
- Children of Service Personnel: If your child has a parent who is in the armed forces.
- Adopted or in Kinship Care: If your child has been adopted from care or is in the care of a guardian or other family member.
How does Pupil Premium help?
The additional funding is used by schools to provide extra support tailored to the individual needs of eligible students. Some ways schools might use Pupil Premium funding include:
- One-on-one or small group support: Additional teaching or tutoring to help your child with subjects they may find difficult.
- Extra resources or materials: Providing textbooks, technology, or other learning resources to help students keep up.
- Social and emotional support: Offering guidance and support to improve a child’s well-being, behavior, and confidence.
- After-school clubs and activities: Funding extracurricular activities that might otherwise be unavailable, helping children develop new skills and interests.
- Improved teaching and staff development: Ensuring that teachers have the skills and training to support disadvantaged children effectively.
How can parents ensure their child benefits?
To make sure your child gets the Pupil Premium funding, it’s important to let the school know if they are eligible. If your child receives Free School Meals (even if they don’t always use them), you should inform the school so they can apply for the funding on your behalf. Schools may also ask for confirmation of eligibility in other ways, such as through proof of benefits.
Why is Pupil Premium important?
Pupil Premium is a way to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds get the support they need to succeed in school, regardless of their family’s financial situation. It aims to help reduce the achievement gap between those who have more financial resources and those who do not.
