WHAT IS PUPIL PREMIUM FUNDING? 

Pupil Premium Funding is an allocation of additional Government funding provided to schools to support and improve the educational outcomes of specific groups of children who may be vulnerable to underachievement. The Government believes that the Pupil Premium Funding, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers. 

School leaders are best placed to assess their pupils’ needs and use the funding to improve attainment, drawing on evidence of effective practice. It is up to school leaders to decide how to spend Pupil Premium Funding.

Evidence suggests that pupil premium spending is most effective when schools use a tiered approach, targeting spending across 3 areas, with a particular focus on teaching. The funding can also be used on targeted academic support and wider approaches such as counselling, social and emotional challenges.

At Maidenbower Infant School we believe in maximising the use of the pupil premium grant (PPG) through a long-term strategy aligned to the School Development Plan focusing on the priorities that will make the biggest difference. The approaches that we adopt are based on strong external evidence and we consider a broad array of external evidence to inform our decision-making process. The strategy itself is embedded within a broader implementation cycle and is integral to our development planning. 

This is our 3 year pupil premium strategy plan which details and breaks down how the funding is used to do this. 

Is your child eligible for Pupil Premium Funding?

Your child may be entitled to some extra funding which can help them get the most out of school. The money can be used in many ways:

• To provide extra support to help children improve their potential

• To provide extra resources, e.g., IT

• To help towards the costs of enrichment activities, trips and visits or joining an extracurricular school club or activity

You can apply for Pupil Premium funding whatever age your child. (It is also called Free School Meal funding as it helps pay for your child’s FSM in KS2). Pupil Premium is also allocated to adopted children and children who have been in care continuously for 6 months or more (known as ‘child in care’ children). There is also a service child premium for children with parents who are currently serving in the military. If you think that your income is low and you receive any of the benefits listed below, please apply:

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)

• 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 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 four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit 

Just follow the link and apply online.

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/schools-and-colleges/free-school-meals/#how-to-apply_tab

Please see guidance below and please do let the office staff know if you need assistance or you can contact the team directly on 0330 222 5555 or at fsm@westsussex.gov.uk.