Pupil Premium
What is the Pupil Premium?
The Pupil Premium was introduced by the Government in April 2011. It was designed to give additional money to support schools in raising the attainment of children who receive free school meals, children whose parents serve in the Armed Forces and those children in local authority care. These groups of children have been identified nationally as achieving at a lower level than children from less disadvantaged backgrounds. For example, national figures show that 11 year olds who are eligible for Free School Meals are around twice as likely not to achieve age related expectation in Maths and English as other 11 year olds.
Where does the money come from?
Pupil Premium is allocated to schools based on the number of children who are currently known to be eligible for Free School Meals, whose parents serve in the Armed Forces and children who have been looked after in local authority care continuously for more than six months.
The purpose of the Pupil Premium is to help schools to provide targeted support for vulnerable children- not necessarily just children who qualify for FSM.
Is your child eligible for Free School Meals?
You may qualify for free school meals if you receive one of the following benefits:
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
Check online https://cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/fao/apply to see if your child is eligible
Why sign up?
Universal Infant Free Meals – All pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools are entitled to free school meals. However, this ends in year 3 – if you think you are eligible, apply now. If you are eligible, when your child moves into year 3, they will continue to receive free school meals uninterrupted. Free School Meals Your child will benefit from having a hot school dinner every day, completely free of charge. This could save you up to £400 per year as well as time making a packed lunch. If you sign up and are eligible, your child can start receiving their free school meal straight away.
Additional funding for your child’s school -It is really important that all parents who receive of the benefits listed above register for free school meals as this will enable your child’s school to claim Pupil Premium allocation. The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools in England in order to raise attainment and can be used to help buy equipment and resources which further support children. This means £1,300 more for each eligible primary-aged child.
Beacon Primary School Pupil Premium Strategy Statement