What is Pupil Premium Funding?

Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the Government to help schools improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils and ensure that all children can achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.

Schools receive additional funding for pupils who:

• Are currently eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM)
• Have been eligible for Free School Meals at any point during the last six years (Ever 6)
• Are looked after by a local authority or have previously been looked after
• Have parents serving in the Armed Forces

At Crabbs Cross Academy, this additional funding enables us to provide targeted support that helps children thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

How Do We Use Pupil Premium Funding?

Our Pupil Premium funding is carefully allocated to remove barriers to learning and provide opportunities that support pupils' achievement and wellbeing.

Funding may be used to provide:

• High-quality teaching and learning resources
• Targeted academic interventions and small group support
• Wellbeing and emotional support programmes
• Speech, language and communication interventions
• Enrichment opportunities such as educational visits, residential visits and school trips
• Subsidised extra-curricular clubs and activities
• Assistance with school uniform costs where appropriate
• Strategies to improve attendance and engagement

Our aim is to ensure that every child has access to the opportunities, experiences, and support they need to succeed.

Free School Meals and Pupil Premium

Free School Meals and Pupil Premium are often confused, but they are not the same thing.

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal through the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) scheme, regardless of family income.

However, some families may also qualify for benefits-related Free School Meals. If you receive certain qualifying benefits and successfully register for Free School Meals, the school may receive additional Pupil Premium funding. This valuable funding helps us provide extra support, resources and opportunities for eligible pupils.

Some children continue to receive free school meals through the Government's transitional protection arrangements (sometimes referred to as Expanded Free School Meals). These arrangements ensure that eligible pupils continue to receive support even if family circumstances change.

Even if your child:

• Is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives Universal Infant Free School Meals; or
• Prefers to bring a packed lunch rather than have a school meal;

we strongly encourage you to check your eligibility and register if you qualify. Registration can provide additional funding to support your child's education and wellbeing at no extra cost to your family.

Is My Child Eligible for Benefits-Related Free School Meals?

Your child may be eligible if you receive:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual household income meets the Government's eligibility criteria)
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Universal Credit, subject to current Government eligibility thresholds

How Do I Apply?

You only need to apply once.

Applications can be made online via Worcestershire County Council:

Apply for Free School Meals

If you would like support with the application process, please contact the school office

Further Information

Please see the documents below for details of our current Pupil Premium Strategy Statement and reviews of previous spending and impact.

If you would like further information about Pupil Premium funding, eligibility, or the support available at Crabbs Cross Academy, please contact:

Mrs Sallyanne Dunstan
Headteacher