Pupil Premium AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Pupil Premium
The pupil premium is additional funding allocated to schools to help support disadvantaged pupils, closing the attainment gap between them and their peers. At St Andrew’s C of E (VA) Primary School and Nursery Pupil Premium is funding allocated to children who are currently looked after or adopted (CLA), eligible for free school meals and who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years.
The Government have not dictated to schools how to spend this money but are clear that schools will need to employ strategies that they know will support these children.
St Andrew’s C of E (VA) Primary School and Nursery is an inclusive school and all members of staff and governors are committed to meeting the pastoral, social and academic needs of all our children within a caring environment. As with every child in our care, a child who is ‘disadvantaged’ is valued, respected and entitled to develop his/her full potential, irrespective of need.
Our Aim at St Andrew’s is to:
- provide a range of support to raise the progress and attainment of these pupils and to close the gap between the achievement of these pupils and their peers.
At St Andrew’s we have raised staff awareness to ensure learning is personalised and we carefully track the progress of pupils and monitors attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics to ensure the provision we have put in place is of great impact and cost effective. Provision is carefully monitored and reviewed using the Pupil Premium Strategy to ensure the success of the funding received.
We report regularly to the Governing body on how the PPG is used and the impact of this to show our commitment to closing the attainment gap.
Our full Pupil Premium Strategy can be downloaded below.
Pupil Premium Strategy 2024-2025
Eligibility
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically qualify for Universal Free School Meals but they do not automatically qualify for this additional funding. You have to apply separately.
Your child many be eligible for free school meals if you receive any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and 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’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and you don't get more than £16,190 a year)
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit (with annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get).
Apply today if you receive any of these benefits. It takes 5 mins and in most cases we can tell you straightaway if your child can get free meals at school.
When you apply you please make sure you have the following information to hand:
- National Insurance numbers and dates of birth, for you and your partner
- Dates of birth for your children
- If you receive National Asylum Seekers Support you will need your NASS number
If you think you could be entitled to the Pupil Premium Grant, then please follow this link
Free school meals | Hertfordshire County Council
Financial Support
At St Andrew’s, we recognise that while not all families qualify for the Pupil Premium Grant, some may still require financial assistance. Below, we have provided links to various services that could offer support.
Hitchin Youth Trust
Support for residential trips may be available from the Hitchin Youth Trust. Awards are limited and are intended to assist families who have either exceptional financial difficulties or other unusual or difficult circumstances.
The application form and guidelines are available here: Grants | Hitchin Youth Trust
Hertfordshire Music Service
Students living or attending school in Hertfordshire may be able to get financial support for instrument or vocal lessons by applying directly to Hertfordshire Music Service.
Visit Hertfordshire Music Service for details and how to apply.
Hertfordshire County Council
Families can find additional advice from Hertfordshire County Council here:
Help to manage the cost of living | Hertfordshire County Council
Healthy Hub Food Providers
Information about Food Providers and Food Banks can be accessed here:
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