Pupil Premium and Free School Meals

The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to publicly funded schools in England. This grant is targeted specifically to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the academic gap between them and their peers.

The government provides this funding because national research shows that pupils eligible for free school meals can face additional barriers to learning. This grant enables us to invest in high-quality support, additional resources, and enrichment opportunities to ensure that every child at Elaine Primary Academy reaches their full potential.

This support can be delivered in short, targeted blocks or over a longer period. It may take the form of:

• One-to-one or small-group teaching.
• Bespoke classroom learning resources and desk toolkits.
• Enrichment activities and subsidised school trips to build cultural capital.
• Access to therapeutic support and emotional regulation interventions in the DEN.

It is incredibly important that all parents and carers of eligible children register for Free School Meals, even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch. Registering does not mean your child has to eat the school meals, but it guarantees that the school receives this vital funding to support your child’s learning and development.

Level of Pupil Premium Funding

Pupil Premium funding is paid to schools based on the number of pupils who meet any of the following criteria:

• Are currently registered as eligible for free school meals, or have been registered at any point in the last six years (known as Ever 6 FSM).
• Are looked-after children (LAC) defined as being in local authority care for one day or more.
• Have ceased to be looked after by a local authority because of adoption, a special guardianship order, a child arrangements order, or a residence order.
• Have a parent currently serving in the Armed Forces, or have been registered as a service child in the last six years (Service Pupil Premium).

Who is Eligible for Free School Meals & Pupil Premium?

Your child will qualify for Free School Meals and generate Pupil Premium funding for the school if you or your partner receive any of the following:

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).
• Income Support.
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit.
• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC).
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit).

If you think your child may be eligible, please contact our Home School Support Worker or a member of the school office team. All enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence. Once approved, the school will receive this funding for every year your child remains at primary school, even if your financial circumstances change in the future.

How to Check Your Eligibility

Checking your eligibility is quick, simple, and entirely confidential.

To self-check your eligibility online, please click to use our online Free School Meal Checker. Alternatively, please bring your National Insurance number to the school office, and our team will be delighted to complete the check on your behalf.