The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the Government to schools in England to support pupils who may face disadvantage. The aim of this funding is to raise attainment, remove barriers to learning and ensure that all pupils have equal opportunities to succeed.

Funding is allocated based on eligibility, including pupils entitled to free school meals, looked-after children and service children.

At Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to using this funding effectively so that every child is supported to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally.

Impact of Pupil Premium Funding

At Our Lady’s, we have the highest expectations for all our children. We are committed to ensuring that every pupil flourishes through the love of Jesus and achieves their very best.

We use Pupil Premium funding to provide targeted support, high-quality teaching and rich learning experiences so that all pupils are able to succeed now and in the future.

Our approach is built on the following key principles:

Identification of Pupils

We ensure that:

• all staff are aware of which pupils are eligible for Pupil Premium

• vulnerable pupils are identified early

• staff and governors are involved in analysing outcomes and progress

Use of Evidence and Data

We ensure that:

• assessment information is used to identify strengths, gaps and next steps

• research (including the Education Endowment Foundation guidance) informs our decisions

• strategies are carefully chosen to have the greatest impact on pupil outcomes

High-Quality Teaching

We prioritise excellent teaching for all pupils by:

• setting high expectations for every child

• using adaptive teaching to meet individual needs

• providing ongoing professional development for staff

• ensuring teaching is carefully planned using assessment information

Targeted Support and Intervention

We provide additional support through:

• small group and 1:1 interventions

• early identification of barriers to learning, particularly in EYFS and Key Stage 1

• tailored support to address individual needs

• effective deployment of skilled support staff

We also work with external agencies where appropriate to provide specialist support.

Wider Opportunities and Enrichment

We ensure that all pupils have access to a rich and engaging curriculum by:

• supporting participation in school trips and visits

• providing wider enrichment opportunities

• ensuring all pupils can fully access the curriculum

Attendance and Wellbeing

We support pupils by:

• promoting good attendance and punctuality

• providing pastoral care and wellbeing support

• working closely with families to remove barriers to learning

Our Impact

Through the effective use of Pupil Premium funding, we aim to ensure that:

• pupils make strong progress from their starting points

• attainment gaps between disadvantaged pupils and their peers are reduced

• pupils are confident, resilient and engaged in their learning

• all children are prepared for the next stage of their education

Free School Meals and Eligibility

Your child may be eligible for free school meals if you receive certain benefits, including:

• Income Support

• Universal Credit (with qualifying income)

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Child Tax Credit (under qualifying conditions)

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive universal free school meals; however, it is still important to apply, as this enables the school to receive additional Pupil Premium funding to support your child.

If you think you may be eligible, we encourage you to apply via your local authority.

Further Information

Each year, the school publishes a Pupil Premium Strategy Statement, outlining how funding is spent and the impact it has on pupils.

If you would like further information, please contact the school office admin@our-ladys.hereford.sch.uk.