Pupil Premium

What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium funding began in 2011 for children eligible for free school meals, children who's parents serve in the armed forces, and Children Looked After; its purpose is to close the attainment gap between these groups and their peers.

What is Pupil Premium Plus?

In 2013, the DfE introduced Pupil Premium Plus for looked after and previously looked after children.  In doing this, the DfE acknowledged the enduring impact of trauma and loss in children's lives and the key role of schools in supporting children who have had a difficult start in life.

Pupil Premium Plus is available to pupils from reception age to year 11 in state funded education in England who:

• are in Local Authority care in England
• have been adopted from care in England or Wales
• left care under a Special Guardianship Order
• left care under a Child Arrangements Order

Pupil Premium is allocated to schools with pupils on roll that are known to have been eligible for free school meals (FSM) at any time. Schools have the freedom to spend the funding, which is in addition to the underlying school budget, in a way that they think will best support the raising of attainment for the most vulnerable pupils. When a pupil joins Westvale Park Primary Academy, parents will be required to fill in a short form to check eligibility. 

More information can be found at the following links:

https://www.pac-uk.org/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium/pupil-premium

Key Principles and Barriers to Educational Achievement:

The targeted and strategic use of Pupil Premium supports us in achieving our aspirations for Pupil Premium children. In using the Premium at Westvale Park Primary Academy, we will adhere to the following principles:

• Teaching and learning opportunities meet the needs of all pupils.
• Appropriate provision is made for pupils who belong to vulnerable groups. This includes ensuring the needs of socially disadvantaged pupils are adequately assessed and addressed.
• We also recognise that not all pupils who are socially disadvantaged are registered or qualify for free school meals.
• Pupil Premium funding will be allocated based on a needs analysis, which will identify priority classes, groups or individuals. Limited funding and resources means that not all children receiving free school meals will be in receipt of Pupil Premium intervention at any one time; the Premium funding is allocated fairly according to this principle and can therefore be allocated to any pupil regardless of their achievement. Put simply, the Premium is targeted at all pupils who are disadvantaged where there is a need.

There are many potential barriers to the under-achievement of Pupil Premium children. This may include a lack of educational support or an absence of funds to pay for enriching trips or experiences. Pupils may feel socially isolated because they are not receiving the same opportunities or experiences as their peers. There may be additional issues or wide a range of specific, complex factors that affect each individual. Our aim is to know each individual and their circumstances to make the best provision for them based on this knowledge.

Please find below our Pupil Premium Strategy Statement.