Pupil Premium

In 2011-12 the Government launched its Pupil Premium funding; money is sent to schools based on the numbers of children in the school who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). This money is allocated to initiatives to ensure children reach their full potential, both academically and socially.  In 2012 it was expanded to include all children who have been eligible for FSM within the last six years (Ever 6).  In addition, children whose parents work in the forces (service children), are looked after (LAC), or have previously been in local authority care (PLAC) are also entitled to a grant.

Principles of the Pupil Premium Funding:

As a school community, including all staff, volunteers and the Governing Body, we are fully committed to ensuring that children eligible for pupil premium funding are given the same opportunities to be as successful as their peers.  We are committed to ensuring that their pastoral, social and academic needs are met in a nurturing environment.  We hope to ensure that each child leaves our school ready for their next academic chapter, recognising their strengths and being able to reflect positively on their areas of need.  We aspire to ensure that each child feels valued and proud of their progress, whether that be in the classroom, socially with friends or in widening their experiences.

As a school, we have developed a 3-year plan to ensure the strategic oversight of Pupil Premium (2020 – 2023) and alongside this we have provided an overview of the specific areas of focus for each academic year.  The key focus areas over the years 2020 – 2023 are to:

1. Ensure Key Stage 1 and 2 children are given opportunities to ‘catch up’ through quality first teaching, targeted interventions and precision teaching.

2. Support the progress and attainment in Reading across the school.

3. Support the social, emotional and Mental Health and Wellbeing of disadvantaged pupils, enabling them to become increasingly more resilient, independent and confident.

How to apply for Free School Meals and Pupil Premium

The easiest way to apply for Free School Meals is online via the link: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/free-school-meals#tab-1

Your child might be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

To apply for free school meals online, you will need the following information:

• Parents name and date of birth

• Contact details

• National Insurance Number or National Asylum Seekers Number

• Child's name and date of birth

• School your child is attending

For help or information, please speak to Louise Summers (Inclusion Director) or Vikki Reeves (Business Director)
Emails: inclusion@lightyear.kent.sch.uk, or bd@lightyear.kent.sch.uk