The Pupil Premium is additional funding paid to schools in respect of a specific group of pupils (pupils who have been registered for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last 6 years or are looked after by the local authority for more than six months). Schools receive this funding to support their eligible pupils and narrow the attainment gap between them and their peers.  In the 2023-24 budget year, the amount paid per pupil is £1,455.

Pupil Premium is also paid to schools to support service children in terms of their emotional and social well-being and possible impact upon attainment.  In the 2023-24 budget year, the amount paid was approximately £335 per child. Additional funding is paid to the school to support children who are either adopted or in the care of the local authority which equates to £2570.

Head Teachers and School Leaders decide how to use the Pupil Premium funding and they are held accountable for their decisions through

• Performance tables which show the performance of all pupils with a particular focus on this identified group
• Ofsted inspections

If you are eligible for Free School Meals please contact the school office (see Contact us page). This is a confidential matter, and we will not disclose to others that you have registered. You do NOT need to take up the option of a free school meal, but your registration will make a difference to the funding for the school. School Leaders can choose how to best spend pupil premium funds. At SVSJ we allocate this money to initiatives that support pupils in reaching their full potential, both academically and socially.

All Key Stage One children are now entitled to a free meal at lunch time. Your child may be entitled to access additional pupil premium funding (which may cover the cost of trips, extra-curricular activities and help us to provide extra support) if you as a parent/carer qualify for;

• Income support

• Employment and support allowance

• Income-based Job seekers allowance

• Guaranteed Element of State pension Credit

• Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Child tax Credit

Please call into the school office for a claim form or more information.  It is important for school funding that you tell us if you are entitled to any of the above-mentioned allowances.