What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional funding from the Government to help schools improve outcomes for disadvantaged children.

Schools receive funding for:

• Children who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), or who have been eligible at any point in the last 6 years

• Children Looked After by the local authority

• Previously Looked After Children (PP+)

• Children with a parent serving in the armed forces (Service Premium – to support emotional and social wellbeing)

National evidence shows that children eligible for Free School Meals may be at greater risk of lower educational outcomes. The purpose of Pupil Premium is to reduce these differences and ensure every child can achieve their full potential, particularly in English and Mathematics.

The school is required to publish information about how this funding is used and the impact it has on children’s outcomes. Leaders review the effectiveness of the strategy regularly, and governors provide oversight and challenge.

Our Principles at Bitterne Manor Primary

At Bitterne Manor Primary, we:

• Provide high-quality teaching for all children

• Ensure appropriate provision for children from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds

• Recognise that not every child eligible for Free School Meals is socially disadvantaged

• Use funding to support children at risk of underachievement

• Allocate funding based on a clear needs analysis

Funding is targeted carefully. Due to limited resources, not all eligible children will receive additional support at the same time.

Barriers to Learning We Address

Some children may face barriers that affect progress, including:

• Delays in speech, language and communication

• Gaps in reading fluency, vocabulary and writing

• Difficulties with mathematical reasoning and communication

• Limited support for learning at home

• Lower confidence, resilience or self-belief

• Social, emotional or behavioural needs

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

• Limited access to wider experiences (e.g. music, sport, educational visits)

• Higher levels of absence

• Ongoing impact of the pandemic on language, reading and social development

These barriers are more commonly experienced by disadvantaged children, though they are not exclusive to them.

Our Support Strategy

Our primary approach is high-quality teaching for every child.

In addition, we:

• Use evidence-informed strategies and interventions

• Draw on research, including guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation

• Work in partnership with other schools within the REACH Trust

• Monitor progress carefully and adapt support where needed

Funding is reviewed regularly to ensure it is having a measurable impact on children’s progress and attainment.

Accountability and Reporting

The Headteacher and Leadership Team regularly monitor and evaluate the Pupil Premium strategy.

• A designated governor meets with senior leaders each half term to review progress and impact

• Outcomes are reported to the full Governing Body

• A Pupil Premium Strategy Statement is published annually in line with statutory requirements

Our commitment is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, receives the support they need to succeed.