Pupil Premium Funding
Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium at St. Michael’s RC Primary School and Nursery
At St. Michael’s RC Primary School and Nursery, our primary aim is to ensure that every child, irrespective of their background, has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. We are dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and ambitious curriculum that places children's well-being at the core of our educational approach. Our unwavering commitment lies in narrowing any gaps in attainment among our pupils. To achieve this, we customise our provision to address individual needs through high-quality teaching, bespoke interventions, pastoral care, and enriching experiences.
Our objective at St. Michael’s RC Primary School and Nursery is to significantly reduce the disparity in achievement between our Pupil Premium (PP) and Non-PP pupils in the areas of Reading, Writing, and Maths.
We have diligently allocated and ring-fenced resources to benefit all Pupil Premium pupils. Clear lines of responsibility have been established, with a member of the senior leadership team and a designated link governor taking responsibility for Pupil Premium initiatives.
All our staff members are well-informed about the areas for development within the school, covering various subjects and year groups. They are also well-acquainted with which pupils are considered focus children. The allocated funds are utilised to benefit every Pupil Premium child and extend the range of provisions offered, catering to the needs of both higher and lower-ability children.
At St. Michael’s RC Primary School and Nursery, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where every child can thrive to their fullest potential. We are resolute in our commitment to bridging the attainment gap and providing enriching experiences for all our pupils.
If you have any questions or would like further information about our Pupil Premium initiatives, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is a government-funded initiative aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in schools across England. Research and evidence indicate that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds often encounter additional challenges that can hinder their academic progress and may lead to underachievement compared to their peers.
The Pupil Premium program was launched by the government in April 2011 with the goal of raising the attainment of pupils who may be vulnerable to underachievement, thus narrowing the gap between their performance and that of their peers. This funding is currently directed to three primary groups of pupils:
- Looked After Children: Children under the care of the local authority.
- Eligible for Free School Meals: Pupils who have been eligible for Free School Meals at any point within the last six years
- Children with Parents in the Armed Forces: Those whose parents are currently serving in the armed forces.
The funding is allocated to a range of initiatives designed to ensure that pupils have the support they need to reach their full potential, not only in terms of academic achievement but also in their social development.
As a school, we have the responsibility to determine how the Pupil Premium is allocated, and we are accountable for the prudent use of these funds. We are committed to reporting on the progress of pupils benefiting from the Pupil Premium and demonstrating how the grant is effectively used to make a positive impact.
For further information, please click on the following links:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium/pupil-premium
How to Check Eligibility for Free School Meals
Parents who wish to determine their child's eligibility for Free School Meals can do so conveniently through the following methods:
- Online Check: The quickest and easiest way to check eligibility is by visiting the following online link: Free School Meals Eligibility Check. This online service is user-friendly and accessible.
- Assistance from Office Team: If you prefer assistance, a member of our Office Team can help guide you through the eligibility verification process.
For the online check, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name
- Address
- National Insurance number or Asylum Support Service number
- Your child's name
- Your child's date of birth
- The name of the school your child is attending
Eligibility Criteria
Your child will be eligible for Free School Meals, along with additional support through the Pupil Premium Grant, if one or more of the following criteria apply to you:
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based)
- The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit (run-on paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit
Please note that you will not be entitled to Free School Meals if you receive any element of Working Tax Credit or if your annual household income (as determined by HMRC) exceeds £16,190.
To begin the eligibility check for Free School Meals, please click here to complete the online registration.
We encourage parents to explore this opportunity, as it can provide valuable support for your child's education and wellbeing. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our school office.
Important Note: Universal Free School Meals and Pupil Premium Free School Meals
It's essential to understand the distinction between Universal Free School Meals offered at Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Pupil Premium Free School Meals. These two should not be confused, as they serve different purposes.
Here's the clarification:
- Universal Free School Meals at KS1: This initiative provides free school meals to all students in Key Stage 1, regardless of their family's income or financial situation. It is available to all KS1 students as a universal benefit.
- Pupil Premium Free School Meals: On the other hand, Pupil Premium Free School Meals are specifically designed for eligible families. This program allows eligible parents to apply for Free School Meals, and if approved, it provides additional funding to the school through the Pupil Premium grant.
It's crucial to recognise that even if a student in KS1 is entitled to Universal Free School Meals, their family may still be eligible to apply for Free School Meals. By doing so, the school can access the Pupil Premium funding, which is a vital financial resource for schools.
Pupil Premium funding is an important stream of support for schools, and it presents an excellent opportunity for eligible parents to access additional assistance for their children's education and overall well-being.
If you have any questions or require further clarification on these meal schemes, please feel free to contact our school office. We are here to support and assist you in making the most of the opportunities available to your child.
How will the school use Pupil Premium funding?
The DfE (Department for Education) require schools to publish on their website the following things:
- How funding was spent in the previous academic year and the impact it had on eligible and other pupils.
- The Pupil Premium strategy for the current academic year.
This includes information about:
- the amount of the school’s allocation of pupil premium grant
- details of the main barriers to educational achievement
- how the allocation will be spent to address the barriers and why these approaches were taken
- how the school will measure the impact of the pupil premium
- the date of the next pupil premium strategy review.
- This can be found in our Pupil Premium Policy
Sports Premium
St Michael's works closely with the Greenacre Sports Partnership in the use of our sports premium grant. Visit the website to find out more out our sports partnership.
Schools Financial Benchmarking
Compare a school or trust's income and expenditure with similar establishments in England. You can view your school or academy trust's financial data, see how it compares with others and use the information to establish relationships with other schools or multi-academy trusts.
New Statutory Reporting
Staff Earnings
No staff member has a gross salary of more than £100,000.