The Bellbird Primary School

Pupil Premium

The Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils and help ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Funding is allocated for pupils who:

• are currently eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), or have been eligible at any point in the previous six years (Ever 6 FSM);
• have been looked after by a local authority or have previously been looked after (including through adoption, special guardianship or child arrangements orders); or
• have a parent serving in the regular armed forces (Service Pupil Premium).

At The Bellbird Primary School, we carefully use this funding to remove barriers to learning, raise attainment and ensure that every pupil is able to flourish both academically and personally.

Our Principles

Our approach is based on the belief that every child deserves the highest quality education and the opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to:

• ensuring high-quality teaching for every pupil, every day;
• identifying barriers to learning early and responding with targeted support;
• providing appropriate provision for disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils;
• recognising that disadvantage is complex and that individual pupils may require different levels or types of support;
• making evidence-informed decisions using current educational research, including guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF);
• regularly reviewing the impact of our provision to ensure funding is used effectively.

While eligibility for Pupil Premium is an important indicator of need, we recognise that some pupils who are not eligible may also experience disadvantage. Where appropriate, the school may provide additional support to these pupils using other available resources.

How We Use Pupil Premium Funding

Following a thorough assessment of pupils’ needs, funding may be used to provide:

• high-quality teaching through staff development and professional training;
• additional teacher and teaching assistant support for individuals and small groups;
• targeted interventions in reading, writing, mathematics and language development;
• phonics and early reading support;
• resources and technology to improve learning;
• pastoral, wellbeing and emotional support;
• enrichment opportunities, educational visits and wider curriculum experiences;
• assistance with the cost of educational activities where appropriate;
• support to improve attendance, punctuality and engagement with school.

Our priority is always to ensure pupils make strong progress, achieve well across the curriculum and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future success.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The impact of Pupil Premium funding is monitored throughout the academic year.

The Headteacher and senior leaders regularly evaluate:

• the progress and attainment of disadvantaged pupils;
• the effectiveness of interventions and additional provision;
• attendance, behaviour and wider personal development outcomes;
• whether funding is providing good value for money.

This information is reported to the Governing Body, who hold school leaders to account for the effective use of the funding.

Accountability

In line with statutory requirements, The Bellbird Primary School publishes an annual Pupil Premium Strategy Statement detailing:

• how funding is allocated;
• the rationale for spending decisions;
• the impact of previous expenditure; and
• priorities for the coming academic year.

Our aim is to ensure that every disadvantaged pupil receives the support they need to thrive, achieve well and leave The Bellbird Primary School fully prepared for the next stage of their education.