Pupil Premium and Free School Meals

You may be aware that the government introduced ‘The Pupil Premium Grant’ in April 2011 and schools are allocated additional funding into their school budget. The premium provides funding specifically for children from low income families who have registered. The purpose of the grant into schools is to raise achievement and improve outcomes for these children. In common with most schools it is likely that a number of parents/carers whose children attend West Moors Middle School fail to claim Free School Meals (FSMs) which is part of the Pupil Premium Grant, even though they are entitled to them.

As the school will receive additional funding based on the number of children who receive FSMs I am writing to all parents and carers to ask them, if they believe that they may be entitled to claim for their children and do not already do so, to make a claim. As I am sure you will agree the children at our school can only benefit if we are able to attract additional funding. Not only that, our catering team provides an excellent range of healthy lunch options that are enjoyed daily by a significant number of our pupils. Your child may well be able to access these free of charge.

At West Moors Middle School we use the grant in a number of ways, whilst ensuring it is carefully targeted for those eligible children in order to help them achieve their potential both academically and socially. The main ways we spend the money are:

• to fund or part-fund the provision of Learning Support Assistants for individuals, small groups and classes to help children to achieve their academic potential.

• to fund the provision of Learning Support Assistants support for non-academic interventions to help increase self-esteem, develop social skills, improve relationships, confidence etc.

• to subsidise extra-curricular activities, visitors and performers to school.

• to fund the provision of specific resources to support and improve achievement.

Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals as part of the Pupil Premium Grant.

If you think that your income is low and you receive any of the benefits listed below, then please speak to Mrs. Kelly in the School Office who will be able to advise you on how to apply for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium Funding).

• Income support

• Employment and Support Allowance

• Child Tax Credit with an annual income of less than £16,190 without Working Tax Credit (as assessed by HMR&C)

• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance

• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.