In 2011-12 the Government launched its Pupil Premium funding. This money is sent to schools by Central Government based on the numbers of pupils in the school who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) in addition to the main school funding. From 2012-13, it was expanded to include all children who have been eligible for FSM within the last 6 years (Ever 6). In addition, children whose parents work in the Forces or children who are ‘Looked After Children’ also receive a grant.
The Government believes that the Pupil Premium is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for FSM and their wealthier peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantages reaches the pupils who need it most.
It is best for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium is spent since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility. 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. (DfE April 2012)
At Great Chesterford C. of E. Primary Academy, we are committed to ensuring that Pupil Premium funding is used to:
- Narrow or close the achievement gap of identified pupils with their peers.
- Raise pupil attainment through the provision of a variety of educational support programmes.
- Address underlying inequalities between the identified pupils and their peers with regard to pupil well-being, as well as academic development.
If your child does not currently receive Free School Meals but may be eligible because of your family’s income level, please contact the school office (in confidence) to register them. Even if you do not wish them to have the meals, the school could still claim Pupil Premium funding that may be used to help your child.
