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Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium was introduced by the Government in 2011 to assist schools in addressing the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers.
All schools have been allocated additional funding to work with learners who have been registered for FSM at any point in the last six years (known as Ever 6 FSM). School also receive funding for children who have been looked after continuously for more than six months, children of service personnel and those who are adopted. The intended effect of this funding it to accelerate progress, raise attainment and support the learners in participation of activities in the wider curriculum. Schools decide how the allocated pupil premium funding should be spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for these learners. All schools are required to report on the amount of funding received, how this is being allocated and the impact of any additional support or provision.
At Firtree School we have used the Pupil Premium funding to implement a wide range of strategies and support learners to maximise their attainment in school and reach their potential.
At Fir Tree Primary and Nursery School, we believe it’s important to provide the necessary support to every family in our school community. As a part of this, we think it’s important to provide clear information so that every family is able to get the financial support they are eligible for.
Universal Infant Free School Meals vs Free School Meals
While this distinction may not be important for students at our school, we believe it’s important for our school community to be well informed.
Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) are available to all pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2. Funding is provided to the school directly, and is used by the school to provide free school meals to infants at UK schools.
Free School Meals (FSM), on the other hand is financial support provided to children of families who fall under certain qualifying criteria. These criteria, and more information can be found on the .gov.uk apply for free school meals website here:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
While parents may not need to apply for FSM for their child if the child is still young enough to receive UIFSM, it is still important to tell the local authority if your family falls under any of the qualifying criteria. This is because if you don’t do so, you will not be able to receive free school meal vouchers over the summer, or in the event of school closures. Additionally, schools only receive pupil premium funding for every child registered for FSM.
If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, make sure to apply here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
We look forward to seeing your child in the school hall!