Pupil Premium
At Shepherdswell Academy we have high expectations and aspirations for all pupils. It is our aim that all pupils, irrespective of their backgrounds or the challenges they face, make good progress and achieve well in all subject areas. The focus of our pupil premium strategy is to support disadvantaged pupils to achieve that goal, from their differing starting points including those who are already high attainers. We will also consider the challenges faced by all vulnerable pupils, such as those who have a social worker.
Effective leadership ensures that the pupil premium funding is allocated effectively each year to have a positive impact on the pupils who are eligible. When making decisions about using the funding we have considered the context of our school, the challenges our families and pupils might face, and the research conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation.
We believe this can be achieved through a broad, ambitious and progressive curriculum, high quality teaching and learning, pastoral support, effective relationships with parents and a personalised approach to meet the needs of all our pupils.
We strive to close the attainment and progress gaps between disadvantage pupils and their peers, through a three tiered approach. Our approach will be responsive to the common challenges and the individual needs of our pupils. This includes quality first teaching and learning, targeted academic support and wider strategies, to ensure a balanced strategy.
We adopt a whole school approach in which all staff take on responsibility for disadvantaged pupils’ outcomes and ensure high expectations and aspirations for all pupils, enabling all to learn and grow and become the best they can be.
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers. Pupil premium was introduced in April 2011 and is allocated to school. The funding is used to target these children and support them in their learning and their wellbeing. Funding is allocated per year for the eligible pupils. It is for the schools to decide how the funding is best spent, due to their knowledge of the pupils needs.
How to apply
If you are in receipt of any benefits that you feel would make you eligible to apply for Pupil Premium please contact the school office office@shepherdswell.emat.uk
