Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools so that they can support disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers. Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011 and is allocated to schools to work with pupils who:
- have been registered for free school meals at any point in the last six years – FSM_6
- have adopted from care (PostLAC) or looked after continuously (LAC)
- are children of service personnel – SC-6
From January 2020 these are the Pupil Premium increased
Free School Meals is raised by £25.00 from 1,320 per child to £1345
LAC is raised by £45 from £2,300 per child to £2345
It is vital that you check whether your child is entitled to pupil premium money. This provides an extra income for the school which we are directly accountable for in how it affects the outcomes for your child
Pupil Premium and Free School Meals
If your child is eligible for ‘free school meals’ and you register them for this, school could receive extra funding called ‘pupil premium’. We use this extra money to improve the educational provision and resources at the school.
What is pupil premium funding?
Pupil premium funding from the government is given to schools to help pupils reach their full potential, regardless of their background or financial situation. It’s provided for pupils who:
Are registered for free school meals
Have been registered for free school meals at any point in the past 6 years
Are, or have been, in care
Have parents in the armed forces
At Cambo First School we get an extra £1320.00 for every eligible pupil who is registered for free school meals. This extra money could make a real difference to the quality of education we offer. For example, we’ve previously used pupil premium funding for:
Educational provision/resources
Academic interventions
Wellbeing and self-esteem building interventions
OAA activities/Extra Curricular clubs
School uniform
music lessons
Is my child eligible for free school meals?
Your child might be eligible if you access:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of Pension Credit Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
Working Tax Credit run-on
Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month)
Universal infant free school meals Currently, pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 are entitled to a free school meal thanks to a different government funding scheme known as universal infant free school meals (UIFSM). If your child is in reception, year 1 or year 2 and is eligible for free school meals according to the criteria above, you should still register because we’ll receive the extra pupil premium funding. Please don’t confuse UIFSM with free schools meals and the pupil premium.
Does my child have to eat the free school meals?
No. Pupils who are registered for free school meals don’t have to eat them. If you’re eligible but you want your child to have packed lunches you should still register because the school will receive the funding which can support your child in other ways.
How do I register?
If you think you might be eligible for free school meals you can complete the online application form or you can telephone us on 01670 774210. The information you provide will be used to check if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit. If you are eligible, school will be notified. Your child will receive free school meals and the school will receive extra funding.
An application cannot be made retrospectively as the process is a set criterion and there is no appeals process. Children who receive income support, or income-based jobseekers’ allowance in their own right are also entitled to claim free meals under the same application process. If a child attends school, or the parent/guardian resides, in Northumberland the applicant can apply to Northumberland authority for free school meals.
Refunds for free school meals are only made in exceptional circumstances. These are handled on an individual basis by the school.
Where can I get more information?
If you need any further information please contact us on 01670 774210
How can I apply?
Apply for FREE school meal online Paper applications can be returned upon completion to:
Free School Meals Office
Northumberland County Council
Wansbeck Square
Ashington
NE63 9XL
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