What is it?
The pupil premium is an extra budget, in addition to main school funding. The DfE believes that this is the best way to address the current attainment gaps between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and other students. This funding is designed to help close the gaps by ensuring that funding reaches the pupils who need it most. The pupil premium was introduced in April 2011 and is allocated to schools to work with pupils who have been registered for free school meals at any point in the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6 FSM’).
Why has it been introduced?
The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, 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 wealthier peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most. Whilst schools are free to spend the Pupil Premium as they see fit, we are required to publish online information about how we have used the Premium and the impact it is having. Pupil Premium Plus is also awarded for children who have been in Local Authority care for 24 hours or more at any point in their life.
Who receives the Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is allocated to pupils in school from Reception to Year 11. They must come from low income families who are registered for FSM, or who have been registered for FSM at any point in the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6’), together with children that have been in care continuously for 6 months or more. At Highfields Spencer Academy, we believe that our Pupil Premium funding should only be spent if it has a great impact for our children, and challenges the attainment gap. We base our decision making on our values RISE and on evidence based research, particularly the EFF toolkit and Sutton Trust research. We have used the ‘model of success’ and the seven building blocks for successfully raising attainment for disadvantaged thinking to develop excellent practice.
What are our main barriers to disadvantaged children’s progress?
Developing Independent Learners:
Some pupils find it difficult to recognise how they learn best and need support to become more independent, resilient, and confident in managing their own learning.
Challenges in Reading and Writing:
Many disadvantaged children face difficulties with reading and writing, which can hold them back from reaching expected levels. This gap in literacy can make it harder for them to make progress across other subjects.
Gaps in Basic Maths Skills:
Some pupils struggle with foundational maths skills, such as times tables and number bonds, which can impact their performance in more advanced mathematical concepts.
Limited Vocabulary and Oral Language Skills:
Some children have limited vocabulary and struggle with oral language skills, often due to fewer life experiences and reduced access to high-quality books and reading materials.
Limited Exposure to Broader Life Experiences:
Some children come to school with fewer opportunities to explore the world beyond their immediate environment. This can affect their understanding of the world and limit the background knowledge they bring to their learning.
What are we spending our Pupil Premium on this year?
- Professional development for all staff, at all levels, to establish high quality teaching and learning and robust assessment systems which lead to swift and timely interventions where and when needed.
- Personalised intervention programmes and nurture groups (working to improve the children’s social, emotional and mental well-being).
- Improved provision and inclusion for vulnerable children and families.
- Strategies to improve parental knowledge and support for home learning.
- Strategies to improve parental engagement and pupil attendance.
- Subsidised trips and extra-curricular activities to widen our children’s experiences and horizons.