St Bees Village Primary School

Pupil Premium at St. Bees Village Primary School

What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is a sum of money given to schools each year by the Government to improve the attainment of disadvantaged children.

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. Bees 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.

At St. Bees we use Pupil Premium to ensure ALL children receive the best education and experiences. You can read how we allocate Pupil Premium in our annual reports.