The pupil premium is a government initiative that targets extra funding at pupils from deprived   backgrounds, which research shows underachieve compared to their non-deprived peers. The premium is provided in order to support these pupils in reaching their potential. It is in addition to any funding that the pupil may receive for their special educational needs.

The government have used pupils entitled to free school meals as an indicator for deprivation, and have deployed a fixed amount of funding to schools per pupil, based on the number of pupils registered for free school meals. Additional funding is also allocated to schools for any child that is ‘looked after’ or whose parent / carers are employed by HM Services.

The governing body of Woodlands School will ensure that the provision is made which secures the teaching and learning opportunities that meet the needs of all pupils. Our priority is to focus on ‘narrowing the gap’ for those pupils not on track to achieve the individual targets set of them. As part of the additional provision made for pupils who belong to vulnerable groups, the governors of the school will ensure that the needs of socially disadvantaged pupils are adequately assessed and addressed through pupil progress meetings, and planned and recorded intervention strategies.

Governors also recognise that not all pupils who receive free school meals will be socially disadvantaged. Similarly, not all pupils who are socially disadvantaged are registered or qualify for free school meals. The governors reserve the right to allocate the Pupil Premium funding to support any pupil, or groups of pupils the school has legitimately identified as being socially disadvantaged or vulnerable.

The range of provision will cover the following:

¨ Facilitating pupils access to education

¨ Facilitating pupils access to broader curriculum opportunities

¨ Additional teaching and learning opportunities

¨ Alternative support and intervention

¨ Facilitate individual pupil development.