What is Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is additional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities and to close the gaps between them and their peers. It is allocated to children who are looked after by the local authority, those who have been eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years (also known as Ever 6 FSM) and for children whose parents are currently serving in the armed forces.

The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals and their wealthier peers, by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most. Ofsted’s school inspections report on the attainment and progress of disadvantaged pupils who attract the pupil premium. It is for schools to decide how the money is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.

Are your children eligible for Pupil Premium Funding?

Pupil Premium money is used to directly fund additional teaching of individual pupils. The criteria for funding are the same as for Free School Meals. Parents must receive one of the following benefits:

• income support
• income based jobseeker’s allowance
• income related employment support allowance
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• child tax credit, provided you are not entitled to working tax credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
• guarantee element of state pension credit

 You can apply directly to the local authority. Please contact the school office if you need any further support or advice.

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope you are all well. Although the summer holidays are still around seven weeks away, we know that many families are already starting to think about plans for the break, including holiday childcare.

With this in mind, we would like to share some fantastic opportunities available through Nottinghamshire County Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.

The HAF programme, funded by the Department for Education, is designed to support children’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and social development during the school holidays. A wide range of fun and engaging activities are provided, helping children stay active, make new friends, and build confidence.

What’s on offer?
Local activity providers run face-to-face sessions across the summer holidays. Activities may include sports, creative workshops, games, and more. Each session also includes a nutritious meal, ensuring children are well supported throughout the day.

Who can take part?
The programme is open to children and young people aged 5 to 16 years (or age 4 if they are in full-time Reception) who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. All sessions for eligible children are fully funded.

We understand that the summer holidays can be a long period for families, and we warmly encourage those who are eligible to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. It offers a supportive, safe, and enjoyable environment for children throughout the break.

If you would like to find out more or register your child, please visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website or contact the school office and we will be happy to help.

If you have any questions or need support accessing the programme, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We hope this helps you begin planning for a happy and healthy summer holiday.

Warm regards,

Mel Doeswijk 

Deputy Head Teacher 

Radcliffe on Trent Junior School

Cropwell Road, Radcliffe on Trent, NG12 2FS