Pupil Premium (PP) funding was introduced in 2011. This is additional funding given by the government to help disadvantaged pupils of all abilities perform better, and to close the attainment gap between them and their peers.
Children are classified as disadvantaged for several reasons: children who have ever received free school meals (Ever 6 FSM), children who are looked after (CLA) or have previously been looked after, and children whose parents are in the armed forces (Service children). The pupil premium is not based on ability.
In Wigan approximately 30% of children are classed as disadvantaged, and at Hindley Junior and Infant School 33% (2020-21) of our children are classed as Pupil Premium children.
The Department for Education states: 'it is up to schools to decide how the Pupil Premium Funding is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.'
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) recommends school take a tiered approach to Pupil Premium spending; utilising this tiered approach has been shown to be effective in narrowing the attainment gap. Teaching should be the top priority, including professional development, training and support for early career teachers and recruitment and retention. Improving these areas will inevitably benefit non-eligible pupils as well.
This tiered approach combines:
- Staff development to improve teaching
- Targeted academic support
- Wider strategies that support readiness to learn
The main aim of the pupil premium is to raise attainment, but it can spent on other things: improving non-academic outcomes, such as improving pupils’ mental health, attendance and activities that will also benefit non-eligible pupils
At school Mr Graham Doubleday is the named Pupil Premium Governor.
All schools who receive Pupil Premium funding must publish a Pupil Premium Strategy. Please see the links below.
|
