Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium Funding

In April 2010, the Government introduced the Pupil Premium. This additional funding was allocated to children from low-income families who were known to be eligible for Free School Meals in both mainstream and non-mainstream settings and children who had been in Local Authority Care continuously for more than six months. The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for Free School Meals and their wealthier peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most. This academic year will receive £1345 per pupil for Pupil Premium children. Pupil Premium Plus which is Looked After Children (LAC) we will rceive £2345 per pupil. Services children we will receive £310 per services child.

Curriculum

Children learn best when their learning is fun, meaningful and memorable. At St. Norbert’s we employ an investigative, topic based approach which focuses on subject specific skills ensures exciting learning. Wherever possible, English, Maths and Computing are integrated into topics so that children are truly immersed in their learning. Subjects are integrated where possible but tenuous links are not made and sometimes subjects are taught discretely if this is considered the best way to cover the skills and concepts needed. Real life experiences and hands-on opportunities are provided wherever possible in recognition of the fact that learning is more memorable when there is a high degree of pupil involvement in an activity. Pupils in receipt of this funding are targeted where individual needs have been identified and resourcing put into place to support their access to our curriculum. Data is regularly collated and reviewed by staff, Senior Leaders and the Headteacher to monitor the progress of all pupils and plan future personalised provision using this funding.

The Wider Curriculum

Supporting children through the effective use of pupil premium funding is paramount in our school and permeates many aspects of school life. Throughout the year we hold themed activities that promote involvement of all pupils and their families but by which we especially target those in receipt of this funding. Activities such as; Dads, Lads and Lasses, Mothers’ Afternoon, Culture Week and Enrichment Puzzle Days have all given eligible pupils the opportunity to participate in events that they may not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise. In additition we have purchased kindles to enhance their reading skills. Martial arts activites are planned and drawing and talking therapy will be happening within school shortly. During our residential visits, pupil premium children are given opportunity to participate in many different activities which may include orienteering, caving and assault courses. Other individuals and groups are used to enhance the variety of activities and we take full advantage when these opportunities become available.

Beyond the School Day

The school is keen to provide a wide range of extra-curricular clubs for children throughout the year which are organised by our teaching staff and/or sports coaches. Children enjoy the opportunity to work with different teachers and have the chance to try many activities such as Football, Badminton, Hockey, Curling, Gymnastics, Streetdance, Knitting, Gardening, Film club and many more. We try to cater for all our children’s needs and so ask the children which clubs they would like to see included during the year through pupil surveys; we also monitor participation of pupil premium children at clubs and provide financial support for those chargeable clubs.

Commitment

St. Norbert’s is committed to providing an increasing range of opportunities for pupil premium children to participate in all aspects of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities.

Article 3- The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all things that affect children.