Pupil Premium Lead: Mrs Natasha Bradley (Headteacher) 

What is the Pupil Premium? The National Picture

The pupil premium was introduced in April 2011 and is allocated to schools in addition to their main budgets to support schools across the country in reducing the attainment gap that currently exists between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. The Pupil Premium is paid to each school by a specific grant based on school census figures for pupils registered as eligible for FSM in reception to Year 11. Schools receive funding for pupils who have been registered for free school meals at any point in the last six years; children who have been looked after continuously for more than six months, and children of service personnel (this service premium is designed to address the emotional and social well-being of service personnel pupils).

The Government believes that the Pupil Premium is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) and their peers. Each individual school is held accountable for how they use their Pupil Premium allocation, in order that the funding is targeted towards those pupils who need it the most.

APPLY HERE TO SEE IF YOUR CHILD IS ELIGABLE FOR PUPIL PREMIUM: 

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/free-school-meals/apply-for-free-school-meals/

🎯 Our Approach to Supporting Disadvantaged Pupils

At Severnbanks Primary School, we are committed to providing every child with the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. We recognise that disadvantaged pupils may face additional barriers to learning, and we work proactively to remove these through targeted support, inclusive teaching, and strong pastoral care.

Our approach is rooted in high expectations, personalised support, and a belief that all children can achieve. We use the Pupil Premium Grant to fund a range of strategies that promote academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and access to enriching experiences. This includes small group interventions, access to resources, support with attendance, and opportunities to take part in trips, clubs, and wider school life.

We regularly review the impact of our support and adapt our approach to meet the changing needs of our pupils and families. At Severnbanks, every child matters—and we are proud to champion equity, inclusion, and ambition for all.

We aim to provide a culture where we use the Pupil Premium funding to maximise achievement through the following: 

• Identify and address barriers to learning, adjusting support to ensure effective teaching.

• Use funding to provide targeted support and enrichment that develops core skills.

• Work closely with parents and carers to support children’s learning.

• Ensure all pupils make expected or better progress through high-quality teaching and feedback.

• Ensure all staff maintain high expectations for all pupils to achieve their potential.

• Keep disadvantaged pupils a priority, ensuring staff remain accountable for their progress.

• Encourage pupils to have high aspirations in a fair and supportive environment.

• Take an outcome-focused approach to overcoming barriers and challenging pupils.

• Support pupils in developing their basic skills and striving to be their best.

Our key objective in using Pupil Premium Funding is to narrow the gap between vulnerable groups and their peers.

When making decisions about using Pupil Premium funding it is important to consider the context of the school and subsequent challenges faced.

🚧 Common Barriers for Disadvantaged Children

• Fewer opportunities for fun and learning outside of school

• Less help with schoolwork at home

• Struggles with speaking and understanding language

• Starting school with lower levels of learning

• More frequent behaviour challenges

• Money worries that affect access to school trips or supplies

• Lower confidence and future goals

• Problems with attendance or being late

• Less involvement from parents due to busy or difficult home situations

• Emotional or social difficulties that affect learning and friendships

“It is for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium, allocated to schools is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.” (Source – DfE website)

The funding is therefore given to schools to spend as they think best, although there is a requirement to publish online how this money is spent.

For more details on the Pupil Premium please visit:
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/premium

There may also be complex family situations that prevent children from making sustained progress. At Severnbanks Primary School, we recognise that these challenges are varied and there is no one size fits all, we therefore personalise learning and approaches for our pupils.

🤝 Continued support for families and children at Severnbanks receiving the Pupil Premium Grant.

• Regular intervention in areas where pupils demonstrate need
• ELSA trained staff available for support sessions
• Continued support from our Pastoral Team - their door is always open if you need support or advice.    Family support and signposting to external services or community resources
• Subsidised Breakfast Club places for all Pupil Premium children currently receiving Free School Meals 
• Access to enrichment activities such as school trips, clubs, and music lessons                                         Speech and language support for children with communication needs                                            Attendance monitoring and support to improve punctuality and reduce absence