Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium is funding that we receive from the Government. It is additional to our main school funding and paid with the intention that it is used to address the underlying inequalities between children and thereby to raise standards of attainment. It is to be used for the children who need it most and need is to be determined by the school. The payment which the school receives is based on the number of children receiving free school meals (or who have previously received free school meals), looked after children or children adopted from care on or after 30th December 2005 but there is no requirement to spend it on those children alone provided the objectives are met.
Pupil Premium Overview. Lasted updated 24.08.2026: Pupil premium: overview - GOV.UK
Our Principles: At Fountains CE Primary School
We ensure that teaching and learning opportunities meet the needs of all of our pupils.
We ensure that appropriate provision is made for pupils who belong to vulnerable groups. This includes ensuring that the needs of disadvantaged pupils are adequately assessed and addressed
In making provision for disadvantaged pupils, we recognise that not all pupils who receive free school meals will be disadvantaged
We also recognise that not all pupils who are disadvantaged are registered for or qualify for free school meals. We reserve the right to allocate the Pupil Premium funding to support any pupil or groups of pupils considered by school to be eligible and who in the opinion of the school will benefit from the use of the Pupil Premium for appropriate provision to meet their needs.
Funding will be allocated following a needs analysis which will identify priority classes, groups or individuals. Limited funding and resources means that not all children receiving free school meals will be in receipt of Pupil Premium interventions at one time.
Provision
The range of provision the school may consider includes:
Providing small group work with an experienced teacher or assistant focused on overcoming gaps in learning
1:1 support
Additional teaching and learning opportunities provided through our cluster partnership or external agencies
Acquiring effective materials aimed at raising standards, particularly in reading, writing and mathematics.
To support children’s learning in the classroom by: ensuring that the children who qualify for free school meals have their needs clearly identified and their progress closely monitored through school. supporting further intervention in learning when this would help a Free School Meals child reach their potential.
To fund additional resources including IT programmes.
To fund specialised training to deliver effective intervention programmes.
To fund extra- curricular activities to ensure effective inclusion enabling all pupils to access a full curriculum.
To fund activities to develop social and emotional wellbeing.
Pupil Premium Strategy 2025-2028
PPG 2022-2023
PPG 2021-2022
PPG 2020-2021
PPG 2019-20
Free School Meals (FSM)
There has been a change to the Free School Meals (FSM) system. The Department for Education (DfE) has updated the eligibility criteria, meaning more families will be eligible. The transitional protection rules that have been in place for FSM are ending too. The new criteria takes effect from September 2026.
The eligibility criteria is based on Universal Credit, however families do still need to apply to receive the meals. However, if your child is currently registered as being in receipt of free school meals through North Yorkshire Council, you do not need to reapply, as your child's eligibility to continue receiving this provision will be automatically reassessed before September 2026.
Eligibility for FSM links to Pupil Premium funding, enabling the school to provide additional support for learning, wellbeing, and attendance, and help children to reach their full potential at school.
Key Stage 1 children (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)
All children receive a Universal Free School Meal regardless of household income however some children may also qualify for Pupil Premium (if you claim Universal Credit).
We encourage you to make an online application if you think your child may qualify for Pupil Premium and the school could claim the funding. The online application is at Free school meals | North Yorkshire Council.
Key Stage 2 children (Years 3-6)
Some children may benefit from the extended Free School Meals criteria - Targeted FSM and Expanded FSM - both are linked to receipt of Universal Credit and the level of annual household earnings (targeted FSM is where an annual household income is £7,400 or less and expanded FSM is where the annual household income is above £7,400).
- Targeted FSM will also attract pupil premium and other education entitlements such as holiday activities and food programme (HAF) and the ‘extended rights’ element of the school travel assistance.
- Expanded FSM qualifies for a free school meal only.
We encourage you to complete the online application form at Free school meals | North Yorkshire Council.
Please contact the school office if you need any further assistance, including an application form, if you are unable to complete the online application.
