Our Partnership of schools
EllacombeChurch of England Academy
Pupil Premium
Did you know that claiming free school meals really helps the school to support the needs of your child?
Pupil Premium, Free School Meals, Universal Infant Free School Meals
- All children in Reception, year 1 and year 2 are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals.
- Children who come from families who receive some forms of benefit may be entitled to Free School Meals for a period of time.
- Any child who is entitled to Free School Meals will automatically become entitled to Pupil Premium for 6 years. This will last even if the child stops being eligible for Free School Meals.
- If your child is eligible for Universal Infant Free School Meals but may also be entitled to Free School Meals then we would encourage you to apply for Free School Meals as you will receive additional benefits.
Benefits of Universal Infant Free School Meals
- Free school meals while the child is in Reception, year 1 and year 2.
- Free fruit each day while the child is in Reception, year 1 and year 2.
Benefits of Free School Meals
- Free school meals while the child is entitled to Free School Meals.
- Automatic entitlement to Pupil Premium (that lasts for 6 years even if the child is no longer eligible for Free School Meals).
For each child who is entitled to Pupil Premium funding, the government gives the school an extra £1455 per annum. So even if you don’t wish to take advantage of Free School Meals, then we would encourage you to apply so that you will benefit from Pupil Premium and the school will benefit from the additional funding.
Do you think your child is entitled to free school meals? Please fill out this short form on the local authority's website, Free school meals - Torbay Council. We can answer your questions at the school office, and help you fill in the form. It really will be a help to school, as well as to your pocket!
Please remember that all information that is passed to school is held in the strictest confidence, and any information regarding the eligibility of your child to Pupil Premium funding will be of huge benefit to our school.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pupil Premium Funding:
What is Pupil Premium funding?
In 2011-12 the Government launched its pupil premium funding. This money is sent to schools by Central Government based on the numbers of pupils in the school who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). From 2012-13, it was expanded to include all children who have been eligible for FSM within the last 6 years. In addition, children whose parents work in the Forces or children who are ‘Looked After Children’ receive a grant. Currently, the pupil premium is worth £1,455 per pupil to the school.
How is Pupil Premium spending monitored?
This money is allocated by the school to initiatives specifically designed to ensure eligible children reach their full potential, both academically and socially. Each school may decide how best to use the funding, and they are held accountable for how it has been used to support pupils from low-income families.
We believe the provision for pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium needs to be strategically led and carefully managed at an operational level. This provision is currently led by the Headteacher and leaders in the school. Provision for pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium will be offered based on identified group and individual needs, with pupils accessing as many of the provisions and interventions as they individually require.
Please read the information below which gives details of our Pupil Premium and Recovery Grants, including how we allocate the funding.
How is Pupil Premium spent?
School leaders are best placed to assess their pupils’ needs and use the funding to improve attainment, drawing on evidence of effective practice. It is up to school leaders to decide how to spend the pupil premium.
Evidence suggests that pupil premium spending is most effective when schools use a tiered approach, targeting spending across 3 areas, with a particular focus on teaching.
Teaching:
Investing in high-quality teaching, for example:
- Training and professional development for teachers;
- Recruitment and retention;
- Support for teachers early in their careers.
Targeted academic support:
Additional support for some pupils focussed on their specific needs, for example:
- One-to-one tuition;
- Small group tuition;
- Speech and language therapy.
Wider approaches:
Support for non-academic issues that impact success in school, such as attendance, behaviour and social and emotional challenges. For example:
- School breakfast clubs;
- Counselling to support emotional health and wellbeing;
- Help with the cost of residential trips or visits.
Children attending a full-day nursery may be eligible for free school meals. Find out today if your child is entitled to additional support! Free school meals - Torbay Council
To learn more about our Pupil Premium income, how it was used and the difference it has made, please read the reports below: