The Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) is an allocation of additional funding provided to schools to support specific groups of children who may be vulnerable to possible underachievement. 

Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011, and it is allocated to schools to provide additional support to pupils who are in receipt of free school meals (FSM) or have been eligible for FSM in the past 6 years (Ever 6).  Pupils who are looked after by the local authority (CLA) are also eligible for the PPG along with children of armed services personnel.  The intended effect of this funding is to accelerate progress and to raise the attainment of the pupils identified.  

Who is eligible for Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is payable for each child who is currently entitled to free school meals or who has been entitled to free school meals at any time (however long or short that time may have been) during the last six years – known as “Ever 6”, for children who are looked after by the local authority and for children of service personnel.

How is Pupil Premium spent?

Schools are considered to be best placed to decide how to spend Pupil Premium.  However, they are required to give a comprehensive report each year on how the money is allocated.  The money is spent in a variety of ways:

• Extra classroom support
• Pastoral and family support
• Purchase of resources
• Funding with expenses for trips and activities
• Help with the cost of uniform
• Help with paying for dinner money for those children who are no longer entitled to free school meals.
• Help with breakfast or after school club costs
• Intervention programmes for children who need additional support
• Programmes and activities to “stretch” high achievers

Will my child be stigmatised as a “Pupil Premium Child”?

No!  No-one, apart from school staff, will know which children attract Pupil Premium funding.  At St. Joseph’s all children are treated equally and information is held in the strictest confidence.

My child has never received free school meals.  Will he/she be at a disadvantage?

Absolutely not! We ensure that all children receive the same advantages.  Often, Pupil Premium benefits all children, for example a TA employed with Pupil Premium money will work with groups of children whether or not they are Pupil Premium.  Resources will be available to non-Pupil Premium children.  Pastoral and family support is available to whoever needs it.