Pupil Premium is additional funding given by the government to schools in England to raise the attainment of specific groups of children that fall into the following categories:
- Pupils who have been entitled to Free School Meals at any point over the last 6 years, due to qualifying for certain benefits
- Pupils who have had a parent in the armed services at any point over the last 6 years
- Pupils that are, or have been, looked after by the local authority or are adopted
Schools are free to spend the pupil premium grant as they see fit. However, they will be held accountable for how they have used the additional funding to support low-income families.
By registering for free school meals parents can make sure their child’s school receives an annual grant of £1,345 per child. This can be used to fund many benefits such as school trips, uniforms and PE kit, music lessons, additional support to boost their child’s learning and much more.
It is important that parents claim, otherwise their children will miss out on this funding. Some parents of under-7s mistakenly think that they don’t need to register as they automatically get a free school meal. Others, although entitled to the funding, don’t register because their children are taking a packed lunch. These children are then missing out on available funding: £1,345 per year.
Is my child eligible for extra money?
All children who currently qualify for free school meals based on their family circumstances are entitled to pupil premium. This applies if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Universal credit (provided you have a net income of £7400 or less)
- Income support
- Income-based jobseekers’ allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of state pension credit
- Child tax credit, provided that you are not also entitled to working tax credit and have an annual gross income of £16,190 or less
Children who are or have been in care, and children who have a parent who is or was in the armed forces, are also entitled to pupil premium.
In addition, pupils who have qualified for free school meals on the above grounds in the past, but are no longer eligible, continue to receive pupil premium for six years.
How do I make a claim?
Apply on-line to West Berkshire Click here to apply or speak to Alison in the office who will be pleased to help.
Are there any other grants providing additional funds for children?
Schools get £2,345 for every pupil who has left local authority care through adoption, a special guardianship order or child arrangements order.
Schools get £310 for every pupil with a parent who:
- is serving in HM Forces
- has retired on a pension from the Ministry of Defence
This funding is to help with pastoral support.
How is Pupil Premium Used at Lambourn?
All children in school are regarded as individuals and treated as special and unique. We understand that the needs of children vary as they move through the school and we seek to meet their needs in the best way we can. We recognise that sometimes children have particular needs that require additional support in school. Parents are encouraged to raise any concerns about a child’s educational or social need with their child’s class teacher at any point in the year; we will seek to ensure there is appropriate support given to children to meet the identified need.
In most cases, the school will seek to provide suitable teaching and learning opportunities within the normal class context, and some children may benefit from additional small group or individual support. Occasionally the needs of a child are significant enough for the school to seek additional support, and sometimes funding, to help meet the needs of a child. In all cases, parents are fully involved in the discussions, advice and support.