Pupil Premium and Free School Meals
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is funding allocated to schools for the purpose of boosting the attainment of pupils from low income families. It is intended to enable schools to provide targeted support to help children reach their full potential.
Funding is allocated for children who are Looked after by the Local Authority (CLA) and for every child who is registered for Income Related Free School Meals.
For each child registered, the school will receive:
- £1,455 for pupils in reception through to Year 6
- £1035 for pupils in years 7 through to 11
- £2,530 for pupils who are in care or who have left local authority care through adoption/special guardianship order/child arrangements order/residence order
- £335 for pupils where either parent is a serving member of the armed forces or has been in service during the child’s education
Who is eligible for Income Related Free School Meals?
Children are eligible to receive free school meals if their parents receive any of the following:
- Universal Credit with no earned income or with net monthly earnings less than £616.67
- Income Support
- Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income related Employment Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit - as long as you have a yearly household income of less than £16,190 (as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs) and do not get Working Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credits)
Therefore it is really important to make sure all children who qualify are registered for Free School Meals even if you choose to send a packed lunch for them or they are receiving Universal Free School Meals because they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2.
How can I register my child for Free School Meals?
To register for Free School Meals you need to complete an Education Benefit form. You can access this by:
- ringing 0300 123 5012
- visiting https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schools/school-meals/free_school_meals.aspx
- asking for a form at the job centre
How will schools spend their Pupil Premium funding?
Schools have the freedom to spend the Premium in a way they think will best support the raising of attainment for the most vulnerable pupils. Schools will be required to report to parents how they have spent the money allocated.
It is important to remember that not all children who are allocated Pupil Premium will receive support at the same time.
How does Weston Village Primary School Spend their Pupil Premium funding?
The Action Plan and Impact Report show how Weston Village Primary School have spent their Pupil Premium funding in the past and how they intend to spend it this year.