Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium

At Ditton Primary Academy School we have high aspirations and ambitions for all our children and we believe that no child should be left behind. We are determined that every child should be given the chance to realise their full potential, whatever their background. Annually reviewing a one-year pupil premium plan and creating a new plan each year is time-costly and ineffective. As such, we have published a three-year strategy that allows us to dedicate more time up-front and introduce light-touch reviews annually. Pupil Premium represents a significant proportion of our budget and the 3 year strategy outlines how it is spent to maximum effect.

At Ditton Primary, we seek to ensure that teaching and learning opportunities meet the needs of all of the pupils. All staff are involved in the analysis of data so that they are fully aware of strengths and weaknesses across the school. All pupil premium children benefit from the funding, not just those who are underperforming.


What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil premium is additional funding, from the government, provided to schools for supporting pupils from low income families and from other categories (See below). Research shows that pupils from deprived backgrounds underachieve compared to their non-deprived peers. The premium is provided to enable schools to 'close the gap' in attainment.


Pupil Premium Categories

There are three categories of children that qualify for pupil premium:

  • Children who are eligible for free school meals (FSM)
  • Looked after children
  • Armed forces children

 

What can schools spend it on?

Schools have the freedom to spend the Premium, in a way they think will best support the raising of attainment for the most vulnerable pupils.

All our staff and governors are committed to meeting ALL our children's pastoral, social and academic needs within a caring environment.

 

What are the main barriers to educational achievement?

The main barriers to educational achievement at this school is the low level of achievement on entry, attendance and the emotional well-being of pupils.

Our key objective in using the Pupil Premium Grant is to narrow the gap between pupil groups by:

  • Raising attendance and improving well-being
  • Raising attainment
  • Extending opportunities