Pupil Premium
What is Pupil Premium Funding?
Pupil Premium is an allocation of additional funding provided to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible underachievement. These include pupils who are entitled to free school meals; those looked after, or previously looked after, by the local authority and children of armed services personnel. The intended effect of this funding is to accelerate progress and raise attainment.
Pupil Premium is allocated to schools from central Government and is clearly identifiable. Schools then 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. The needs of all pupils are assessed and the grant is then used to make maximum impact in the school.
What is the funding amount?
For 2024-2025, the Pupil Premium Funding is as follows:
- £1,480 per pupil for children in receipt of Free School Meals (last 6 years)
- £2,570 per pupil for each child who is no longer looked after by a local authority in England and Wales because of adoption, a special guardianship order, a child arrangements order or a residence order (Post Looked After Child – PLAC)
- £340 for each pupil who is a service child or who is in receipt of a child pension from the Ministry of Defence.
The funding for pupils who are looked after by a local authority (LAC) is managed by the Virtual School Head of the local authority that looks after the pupil.
- £2,570 per pupil for each child who is looked after by a local authority in England (Looked After Child – LAC)
All schools are required to report on the amount of funding received, how this is being used, and the impact of any work done. It is recognised that each pupil’s needs will differ and will be addressed in different ways. Schools may use the money to support all children.
How is the pupil premium money spent?
This money is spent in a variety of ways to support disadvantaged pupils across our school to overcome barriers to their learning. Although schools are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for individual pupils, we do work closely with professionals and families to ensure this is spent in the very best way to support personal well-being and academic progress. This might include improving attendance, supporting emotional well-being, narrowing attainment gaps or providing enhancement opportunities to the curriculum.
We are held accountable for the decisions we make regarding the spend of our Pupil Premium allocation and the impact it has had for pupils.
How to apply for funding
We urge all parents and carers to register for free school meals if you feel you may be eligible. Not only does this ensure your child can have a school meal, if they wish, but it also entitles you to meal vouchers during school holidays (when these are offered) and access to the Holiday Activity Fund through Newcastle City Council. In addition, if you don’t register, the school misses out on vital government funding which can be used to support your child.
Registering for free school meals is easy, there are no lengthy or complicated application forms and there is no obligation for your child to take school meals just because they are registered.
You can apply using the link below:
If you think your child may eligible to receive this additional funding and support but are not sure whether the school are aware of this, please speak to the school office or Mrs Turner.
Pupil Premium Funding at Archibald First School