Pupil Premium
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is a form of funding available to all schools. Its purpose is to remove obstacles created by financial disadvantage and ensure that all pupils, regardless of background or economic circumstances, have the opportunity to achieve their optimal educational outcomes. This is additional money that makes a real difference to the school as a whole. It cannot be backdated and is not activated unless a claim for free school meals is made. Therefore we feel it is important that Parents are aware of the scheme and we encourage all those who are eligible to apply.
How much does the school get?
The amount of funding received will vary from school to school. The funding is allocated to eligible schools based on the number of:
- pupils who are recorded as eligible for free school meals, or have been recorded as eligible in the past 6 years (referred to as Ever 6 FSM)
- children previously looked after by a local authority or other state care, including children adopted from state care or equivalent from outside England and Wales
- Service pupil premium is additional funding for schools with children and young people of service families
The Pupil Premium funding is calculated from data provided in the school census' which occur twice a year.
How is the money used?
The school has full discretion on how this money is used. Here at Ashton First School we start with our commitment to quality first teaching and nurture of the whole child. Through our Charges and Remission policy we support all pupil premium children with a range of benefits to enable equal access to our broad curriculum. The money is also used to ensure that an individual's economic circumstances do not become a barrier to participation in opportunities and events provided by the school.
Is it only eligible pupils who have access to this funding within school?
No, the fundamental aim of the pupil premium scheme is to raise the attainment of ALL disadvantaged pupils. At Ashton First School we have an all-inclusive approach to attainment as shown in this diagram and we recognise that our pupils' circumstances can change quite rapidly. To reflect this, our Pupil Premium is used at every level in order to support not only those eligible, but any child who may fall outside of the scheme but has a known need, hardship, or is deemed vulnerable or disadvantaged by their current circumstances.
In order to help us ensure that the funding can be accessed by all those who need it, no matter how temporary, we welcome any family to speak to us in confidence regarding worries that may affect their child's access to education.
How do Parents know if they are eligible? and how to submit a claim?
If you are in receipt of income support or another benefit you may qualify for free school meals. You can find out more about this by accessing the link here where you will also find details on how to make a claim.
If you are still unsure or feel you may need assistance with this, please contact school. We can support you with checking your eligibility and submitting your claim, in the strictest confidence.
Even if your family circumstances are temporary, you are encouraged to approach the school as there may be longer lasting benefits that will make a difference to your child's overall experience and progress throughout their journey with us.
Please note that if your child is in receipt of Universal Infant Free School Meals you will still need to submit a claim and notify the school so that pupil premium funding can be activated and begin to make a difference.
What impact does this have?
The impact of Pupil Premium funding at Ashton First school is that it helps all pupils to thrive in our school; not just academically but also by providing them with experiences and opportunities they may not have had otherwise. Our focus on providing quality first teaching and TA's, to support pupils in class, is paramount to removing any barriers to learning which could affect the outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. But we also use the funding to ensure that ALL pupils have access to rich and varied experiences whilst they are with us and focus on the whole child. We offer priority access to Pupil Premium pupils for clubs which allows them to secure a place in all extra curricular activities. Residential trips are subsidised to allow the pupils to fully participate and no Pupil Premium child misses other trips if family circumstances would prevent attendance. These three examples have a huge impact on the pupils, by providing them with opportunities to grow their skills and learning behaviours we give them a range of skills that a direct impact on their learning. It also gives them a sense of belonging to our school community which is very important for their sense of self and their wellbeing. Throughout the year we offer enrichment opportunities such as taking part in the Big Sing, Rock Steady Music School and many sporting opportunities. We ensure that our Pupil Premium children have equal access to these activities in order to achieve optimal educational outcomes.
Useful Links
Charges and Remissions Policy Closing Attainment Gaps
Worcestershire County Council Free School Meals Team
