What is Pupil Premium?

Introduced in 2011, the pupil premium is a sum of money given to schools each year by the Government to improve the attainment of disadvantaged children.

This is based on research showing that children from low income families perform less well at school than their peers. Often, children who are entitled to pupil premium face challenges such as poor language and communication skills, less family support, lack of confidence and issues with attendance and punctuality. The pupil premium is intended to directly benefit the children who are eligible, helping to narrow the gap between them and other pupils.

Is your child eligible?

 Schools are given a pupil premium for:

•  Free School Meals

Children who have qualified for free school meals at any point in the past six years. The school receives £1300 for each of these children.

 Your child may be eligible for free school meals – and accordingly Pupil Premium – if you receive any of the following benefits:

 Income support

Income-based jobseekers’ allowance

Income-related employment and support allowance

Support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The guaranteed element of state pension credit

Child tax credit, provided that you are not also entitled to working tax credit and have an annual gross income of £16,190 or less

Universal credit

If your child qualifies for free school meals, it’s important to tell us – even if they bring a packed lunch. Please ask at the office for any information.

In Reception and KS1 the children will receive a free school meal.

However if you are in receipt of any of the above benefits, you can still receive Pupil Premium Funding but the correct forms MUST be completed.

• Looked After Children

Children who have been looked after under local authority care for more than one day. These children are awarded a premium of £1900.

• Service Children

Children of armed service personnel are also eligible. Service children are children and young families where one or more parent is currently in the British Armed Forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Pupils will qualify for this Pupil Premium if they meet the following criteria:

• One parent is serving in the armed forces now or in the last 3 years
• One parent is in receipt of a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme(AFCS) in the War Pensions Scheme (WPS)  

How is Pupil Premium Funding spent?

Schools can choose how to spend their pupil premium money, as they are best placed to identify what would be of most benefit to the children who are eligible.

At Sugar Hill Primary School we are committed to giving all pupils the very best chance to meet their full potential, regardless of ability and background. Pupil Premium funding plays a huge part in ensuring this happens and that gaps between groups are narrowed.

Taking into account research on the best ways to ensure this happens and on analysis of the school data, areas of need are identified and funding allocated.

 Click on the Pupil Premium Plan above to see where money is being spent for this year.