Pupil Premium
Background
The pupil premium is a government initiative that targets extra money for pupils from deprived backgrounds. Research shows that pupils from deprived backgrounds underachieve compared to their non-deprived peers. The premium is provided to enable these pupils to be supported to reach their potential and have experiences and opportunities to support this.
The Government has used pupils entitled to free school meals (FSM), looked after children and service children as indicators of deprivation, and has provided a fixed amount of money for schools per pupil based on the number of pupils registered for FSM over a rolling six-year period.
At Riverside Primary School and Nursery, we will be using the indicator of those eligible for FSM and identified vulnerable groups as our target children to 'diminish the difference' regarding attainment. In addition, we will be identifying families who do not receive FSM but are classed as FSM under the 'ever 6' category. This identified group will be removed from some analyses to gain insight into the disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged gap.
Context
When making decisions about spending pupil premium funding, we use a range of evidence-informed sources, including Arbor school reporting, The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) 'guide to pupil premium', 'EEF The Attainment Gap' and 'EEF Foundations for good implementation.' We also consider the context of the school and local community and the subsequent challenges faced.
Common barriers for FSM children can be:
- Low baseline into Nursery and Reception
- Inconsistent parent engagement, support and aspiration
- Social vulnerability
- Attendance and punctuality issues.
- Weak language and communication skills
For further details, please see our Pupil Premium Policy and Statement.
Pupil Premium Statement 2020 - 2021
Pupil Premium Statement 2021 - 2022
Pupil Premium Statement 2022 - 2023
Pupil Premium Statement 2023 - 2024
Applying for free school meals
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals please click the link below which will direct you to the Herefordshire Council checker and application site for free school meals.
Free School Meals information and application form
If your child does not have Free School Meals but may be eligible because of your family’s income level, please contact the school office (in confidence) to register them.
Even if you do not wish your child to have the meals, this would mean the school could still claim Pupil Premium funding that may be used to help your child.
