The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided to support the needs of the most vulnerable pupils in the school community. The funding is relational to the number of pupils eligible for means tested Free School Meals, (FSM); those in Local Authority care (Children Looked After) or adopted from care or those who have a parent or guardian serving in her Majesty's armed forces.
If you think you may be meet one of these criteria, please get in touch and we can quickly check it out for you. Even if your child does not have FSM, or gets them free anyway in Reception, Y1 or Y2, it is important we know about your eligibility due to the additional funding it can provide to school which is of benefit to your child as well as others. Thank you.
The funding, except in special circumstances for some Children Looked After, is used for the general enhancement of school so that all children, including those most vulnerable, receive an equitable offer.
At St Mary's we use our funding in a variety of ways including, but not limited to:
reducing adult pupil ratio's - so that pupils get more individual attention
Increasing spend on pupil resources
Supporting curriculum initiatives - in 2021/22 these include things such as Commando Joes, Music, Forest School, OPAL
Employing additional hours of Educational Psychology, our ELSA and Children's Therapeutic Counsellor.
Proving greater opportunities for our staff to be fully up to date in their professional development so as to meet the needs of varied school community
Supporting the opportunities for cultural capital to be enhanced for all and ensuring all children can take part in trips, visits and events.
During the Covid period, the number of children attracting Pupil Premium funding has increased by about 50%. Whilst this is positive for what we can offer everyone on school, it also means we are acutely aware of the changes in economic fortune for many of our families during the pandemic and being able to offer enhanced welfare support and care during the lockdown period and afterwards, has become another key are of our work.
You can find out more about the Pupil Premium initiative from the Government by following this link: