The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools so that they can support their
disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers. The
funding is to be spent on low-income families, looked after children and those from
families in the armed forces. At the moment the Government defines a low income
family as one where a child qualifies for free school meals. (FSM)
“Schools, Head teachers and teachers will decide how to use the Pupil Premium
allocation, as they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made
for individual pupils.” Source Department of Education website.

At St Mary’s CE VC First School we aim to ensure that teaching and learning
opportunities meet the needs of all pupils. Equality and Inclusion are at the heart of
our school and we aim to ensure that every opportunity meets the needs of all our
learners. We ensure that appropriate provision is made for pupils who belong to
vulnerable groups. In making provision we recognise that not all pupils who receive free
school meals will be disadvantaged. We also recognise that not all pupils who are
disadvantaged are registered or qualify for free school meals. We reserve the right to
allocate the Pupil Premium funding to support any pupil or group of pupils the school as
legitimately identified as vulnerable. Pupil Premium funding will be allocated following a
needs analysis which will identify priority classes, groups or individuals. Limited funding
and resources means that not all children receiving free school meals will be in receipt
of Pupil Premium interventions at one time.