What is the Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Grant is funding allocated to schools for the specific purpose of boosting the attainment of pupils from low income families. Funding is based on children who have registered for a free school meal at any point in the last six years, children who have been in care for more than six months and children whose parents are currently serving in the armed forces.

Why has it been introduced?

The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to make up for the unequal opportunities that children on Free School Meals get compared with children from wealthier families. The school must make sure that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most. Whilst schools are free to spend the Pupil Premium as they see fit, we are required to publish online information about how we have used the Pupil Premium.

How do we make sure that the right children are benefiting?

For children facing challenges that match the criteria for Pupil Premium, the school puts into place various strategies to ensure that they are able to keep up with the demands of the curriculum. This means that the Pupil Premium children can be given more support than would have been possible without the extra funding. Every pupil is assessed termly and support is put in place where required. Staff are aware of Pupil Premium children and ensure they receive support and intervention when needed. All staff have high expectations for every child at Silverdale Primary Academy – including those receiving Pupil Premium funding. We endeavour to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential and achieve the aspirational targets set for them.

We invest in high quality training for both teachers and teaching assistants so that they make best use of the Pupil Premium grant. The Headteacher checks on how the grant is being spent and the effect it is having and report to United Learning and Governors.

Education at Silverdale Primary Academy is about both academic success at the same time as providing a wide range of opportunities for children to broaden their experiences, including educational trips and visits. Part of the Pupil Premium fund is set aside to make sure no child misses out which includes a residential visit.