Pupil Premium

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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, 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 their classmates.

School leaders are best placed to assess their pupils' individual needs and use the funding to improve attainment, drawing on evidence of effective practice.  Evidence suggests that pupil premium spending is more effective when schools use a tiered approach, targeting spending across 3 areas, with a particular focus on teaching.

1. Teaching

Investing in high quality teaching, including professional development and training for all staff.

2. Targeted academic support

Additional support for some pupils focused on their specific needs.

3. Wider approaches

Support for non-academic issues that impact success in school, such as attendance, behaviour and social and emotional challenges.