The Pupil Premium is an additional allocation of funding to schools to support specific groups of children who are vulnerable to possible under achievement. It is allocated for children from low income families who are eligible for free school meals (FSM), those who are looked after by the local authority and the children of armed services personnel. This funding is also based on children who have had free school meals within a 6 year period (EFSM). At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School we are committed to providing equality of opportunity for all our children to enable every child to achieve their very best. 

The Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) was introduced in April 2011 and is additional funding that the government gives to schools for each pupil on roll who is deemed to be eligible (entitled to Free School Meals, Children who are Looked After or have a parent in the Forces).

The Department of Education website is a good source of additional information:

Pupil premium: overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Pupil Premium Grant arrives as an extra payment to the school budget. The amount is given for every child who is entitled to receive the benefit of Free School Meals (FSM), regardless of whether they take up the free school meal or bring their own lunch.

We would urge all parents to check their entitlement benefit and if you are entitled to Free School Meals then please make sure that you claim the benefit as the school will also receive extra funding to support your child as a result.

Measuring the Impact of Pupil Premium Funding

The impact of Pupil Premium funding is monitored through a rigorous cycle of assessment, review and evaluation. Each disadvantaged pupil has an individual Pupil Premium Profile, which identifies barriers to learning, planned support, interventions accessed and intended outcomes. These profiles are reviewed regularly by class teachers, the SENCO and the Headteacher to ensure provision remains targeted and effective. 

Pupil progress is monitored through:

• Termly assessment of reading, writing and mathematics.
• Analysis of PIRA, PUMA, Rising Stars and phonics assessment data.
• Monitoring of attendance, punctuality and behaviour.
• Evaluation of participation in enrichment activities, educational visits, music provision and extracurricular opportunities.
• Assessment of wellbeing through pastoral records, intervention outcomes and pupil voice.
• Review of SEND and intervention programme impact where appropriate. 

Following each assessment point, leaders evaluate the progress of disadvantaged pupils against their individual targets and against their peers. Where progress is not on track, additional support or amended interventions are implemented promptly. 

The effectiveness of funded interventions is reviewed through:

• Entry and exit assessments.
• Teacher evaluations.
• Pupil voice.
• Work scrutiny.
• Attendance and engagement measures.
• Parental feedback where appropriate. 

A summary of the impact of Pupil Premium spending is included within the annual review of the Pupil Premium Strategy Statement. This evaluation identifies the difference made by funded provision, measures progress towards the school's objectives and informs priorities and spending decisions for the following academic year. Findings are reported to Governors, who hold leaders accountable for ensuring funding is used effectively to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. 

In addition, the Headteacher and Governors receive regular reports throughout the year to ensure that Pupil Premium funding continues to provide value for money and supports disadvantaged pupils to achieve both academically and personally.