What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. Funding is allocated primarily according to the number of pupils who are eligible for, or have been eligible for, Free School Meals, as well as previously looked-after children. Service Pupil Premium is also provided to support eligible children from service families, with a particular focus on pastoral support. (GOV.UK)

At High Down Schools, we see Pupil Premium as an opportunity to understand each child as an individual and remove barriers that may affect their learning, wellbeing, attendance or wider development. Our approach reflects our nurturing ethos: we build positive relationships, know our children well and use evidence, professional knowledge and pupil need to provide the right support at the right time.

How do we use Pupil Premium?

Our Pupil Premium strategy is part of our wider school improvement planning. In line with Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) guidance, we focus our approach across three key areas:

• High-quality teaching – ensuring every child experiences excellent, inclusive teaching and has access to an ambitious curriculum.

• Targeted academic support – providing carefully identified, evidence-informed support where additional teaching or intervention is needed.

• Wider strategies – addressing barriers beyond the classroom, including attendance, wellbeing, behaviour, relationships and engagement with learning. (EEF)

We regularly review the impact of our provision and adapt our approach in response to the needs of our pupils. Pupil Premium funding can also support other pupils with identified needs where this is appropriate and contributes to the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. (GOV.UK)

Free School Meals

If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, please register even if they do not wish to have a school meal. Registration helps ensure that the school receives the funding to which it is entitled and enables us to provide additional support and opportunities for pupils who need them.

Our current Pupil Premium strategy is published in accordance with Department for Education requirements. Schools receiving Pupil Premium are required to publish an updated strategy statement each academic year. (GOV.UK)