Pupil Premium Funding
The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers. The Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011 and is allocated to schools to work with pupils who have been registered as eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6 FSM’). Schools also receive funding for Looked After Children, children adopted from care and children of service personnel.
How do I know if my child is eligible for Pupil Premium Funding?
Registering your child for ‘Pupil Premium’ means that the school is able to claim funding to provide additional resources for your child.
Parents/carers who receive any of the following may be entitled to free school meals (and the Pupil Premium):
- Income Support (IS)
- Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)
- Universal Credit with an annual household income of below £7400 after tax
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA)
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit.
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Child Tax Credit with an annual taxable income (as assessed by HMRC) of less than £16,190, as long as the family is not also in receipt of Working Tax Credit.
If you have recently become unemployed, but are still receiving Working Tax Credits, your child may be entitled to free school meals (advice can be obtained by telephoning Somerset County Council on 0300 123 2224).
You can complete an online application using this link
Or you can print out a copy of the Application Form for free meals and send the completed form to: Entitlements Team, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY.
