Pupil premium funding is provided to improve education outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in schools in England. The main purpose of the Pupil Premium is to raise the achievement and aspirations of disadvantaged groups of children. The premium is available for children eligible for free school meals, those who have had free school meals at any point in the last six years, looked after children and children of parents in the Services. Schools are free to spend the extra funding as they see fit, but the government requires schools to publish information about how they use it.

At St John's, we work hard to support children where necessary to overcome academic or emotional barriers that they may experience.  We are passionate about enabling all children to participate in the full range of activities offered within and beyond the school to ensure they have the very best learning experience; are provided with the cultural capital to succeed in life and progress well. We strive to meet the needs of children and families whose circumstances may make them vulnerable; help to break down barriers to learning and to minimise gaps in the progress children are making. The school works very effectively in partnership with the parents and carers and other core professionals to achieve this aim. 

Please visit the Department of Education's Pupil Premium page for further up-to-date guidance here.

How is the Pupil Premium used at St John's Academy?

The Pupil Premium lead, alongside staff, ensures that: 

• The needs of individual Pupil Premium children are met
• Provides support to staff when planning specific interventions within and outside of the classroom where appropriate
• Reports to parents, governors and teaching staff
• Ensures that everyone involved is aware of current information regarding Pupil Premium and provides training where necessary
• Monitors the academic progress of Pupil Premium children

The Pupil Premium lead provides a range of support that includes:

• Provision of extra-curricular opportunities
• Quality First Teaching
• Working with and alongside parents
• Working with and alongside a range of professionals
• Nurture support
• Financial provision for enrichment opportunities, educational clubs, extra-curricular experiences and school trips

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR CHILD CAN ACCESS THIS FUNDING?

Pupil Premium funding is provided to schools based on eligibility for Free School Meals over the last 6 years (excluding the infant free school meals provision). Your child will be eligible for Free School Meals (and additional Pupil Premium funding for the school to support your child) if you or your partner are receiving any of the following benefits: 

• Universal Credit (annual net income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
• Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying)

For further information contact the school office or follow the link below:

• GOV.UK Apply for free school meals

Every child who is registered as eligible for pupil premium generates valuable income for the school.