In 2011-12 the Government launched its Pupil Premium funding. The money is sent to schools based on the numbers of pupils in school who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). From 2012-13, it was been expanded to include all those children who have been eligible for free school meals within the last six years. This brings in additional funding to the school which is effectively allocated to support these children both within and outside the curriculum.

This funding currently stands at £1515  per child and £2,630 for Looked After Children in 2025 - 2026.

At Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School we believe that quality first teaching and learning and a rich curriculum are the key to all children being successful. The pupil premium money supports the extensive projects and trips from which all our children benefit. The recruitment and retention of top quality teachers and other staffing so that there is extra capacity for additional teaching in small groups or conducting one to one sessions with under-achieving pupils to find gaps in learning have shown to have great impact.

Trips and residential learning experiences are subsidised for Year 6 pupils and the pupil premium is used to ensure that no child misses out due to lack of money in the family home.

Our school provides a wide variety of extra-curricular activities which engages the children with school and contributes to raised self-esteem, a sense of belonging and outstanding attitudes to learning during the school day. Our clubs are run largely by staff members and this fact contributes to the positive impact these extra-curricular activities have on the success of our pupils.

Purpose & Vision

• The Pupil Premium funding is used to narrow the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.

• Supports the school’s mission of providing “life in all its fullness” and helping every child thrive academically, socially, emotionally, culturally, and spiritually.

Who is Eligible

• Pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) within the last 6 years (Ever 6 FSM).

• Looked After Children (LAC) and Previously Looked After Children (PLAC).

• Children of service personnel.

Principles

• High expectations for all pupils.

• Evidence-based practice (EEF guidance).

• Targeted and personalised support.

• Strong parental engagement.

• Inclusion in curriculum and extracurriculars.

• Regular monitoring and evaluation.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Governing Body: Oversees use, ensures website publication, holds leaders accountable.

• Headteacher: Leads and reports on strategy.

• Pupil Premium Lead: Manages interventions, tracks progress, liaises with staff/parents.

• Class Teachers: Ensure pupil progress, differentiate teaching, deliver interventions.

• SENCo: Supports pupils with SEND and Pupil Premium needs.

• Parents/Carers: Engage with school and support learning.

• Pupils: Take responsibility for learning, engage with support.

Implementation

Tiered Approach (EEF model):

1. High-Quality Teaching – CPD, subject-specific training, adaptive teaching.

2. Targeted Academic Support – Small group tuition, 1:1 help, literacy/numeracy interventions.

3. Wider Support – Addressing attendance, behaviour, wellbeing, mentoring, family support, enrichment activities.

Specific Focus Areas:

• Reading: Phonics, protected reading time, home reading engagement, rewards.

• Writing: Implementing “Ready Steady Write” curriculum.

• Maths: Arithmetic, multiplication facts, reasoning skills.

• Faith/Personal Development: Worship curriculum.

• Community: Strengthened parent/carer engagement.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Data analysis and progress tracking vs. national benchmarks.

• Monitoring interventions for impact.

• Gathering pupil/parent voice.

• Annual review and report to governors.

• Website publication of strategy by 31st December each year (DfE template).

Sustainability

• Embed strategies into everyday practice.

• Invest in staff CPD.

• Build strong home–school partnerships.

Review

• Policy reviewed annually (Headteacher, Pupil Premium Lead, Governors).

• Takes into account DfE guidance, evaluation findings, and stakeholder feedback.

✅ In short: The school commits to using Pupil Premium strategically to raise outcomes for disadvantaged pupils through high-quality teaching, targeted support, and wider family/community engagement, with strong accountability and regular evaluation.