Pupil Premium

Did you know that registering for Pupil Premium means means our school could access extra funding?

Pupil Premium is additional money that the government gives to mainstream and special schools in England to help children from low income families. It aims to provide significant funding for disadvantaged children to help close the attainment gap. We reserve the right to use this funding to support all pupils and know that being entitled does not automatically mean pupils are disadvantaged and that not all disadvantaged families will be entitled.

The Pupil Premium is allocated to the school and is generated by children:

1. who are currently known to be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) or have been in the last 6 years
2. who have been ‘looked after’ continuously by a Local Authority for more than 6 months;
3. children from service families.

Currently, pupils in Years 1 and 2 as well as Reception children all receive free school meals, these are paid for by government funding. This provision is called Universal Free School Meals. You should still apply even if your child is in year R, 1 or 2.

In addition to this, parents can also apply for Pupil Premium funding so that their children can receive free school meals in subsequent school years (Year 3 and onwards). We strongly recommend families to access this support. Pupil Premium funding can also give children access to some discounted educational trips and events throughout their school years.

Please read on to find out how to check if you are eligible and if so, how to apply for this financial support.

What should it be used for?

Schools are free to spend the Pupil Premium as they see fit. However, we are accountable for how we have used the additional funding. We are required to publish online information about how we have used the premium.

Are you eligible?

You can register your child for Free School Meals if you receive any of these benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based  Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related  Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual   income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
• Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment someone may receive for a further four  weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

 Please note you are not eligible if you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit.

 How to apply

Registering is really quick and easy – you can apply online at www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals and get an immediate answer. If you are eligible, your child’s school will be notified within 5 working days.

If you have any problems with applying for this support, please call in our school office on 02392 824061

No one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.