Many families’ personal circumstances have altered in the past couple of years, and it is important that everyone is aware of extra support that your child, or children, may be entitled to. Pupil Premium is a sum of money that is given to schools each year by the Government to improve the attainment of eligible children. This funding is separate and in addition to the funding that all schools receive from the government to fund Reception and KS1’s Universal Infant Free School Meals.  Children in every year primary school year group may be eligible for Pupil Premium, which, depending upon your child’s eligibility, may include Free School Meals.

For Free School Meals, your child may be eligible if you receive certain benefits such as Income Support • Income based Job Seekers Allowance • Income related Employment and Support Allowance • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • Child Tax Credit, with no element of Working Tax Credit, and a household income below £16,190 (as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs) • Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit • Universal Credit.

In addition, any children who are, or have previously been, Looked After Children (as defined by Gov.uk) or who are Service Children may also qualify for Pupil Premium.  Please ask at the school office if you think this might be relevant to your child.

If your child qualifies for any version of Pupil Premium, it is important to let the staff at Helmdon School know because their eligibility allows the school to access additional money which we can use to help your child achieve their full potential. Please rest assured that any approach you make to school will be treated confidentially. In addition, if your child qualifies for Free School Meals you can decide whether they will anonymously take the free meals or packed lunches can continue to be brought in from home, if that approach is preferred.

Ultimately, we would like as many children as possible to be registered for Pupil Premium so that we are able to access the funding and support the relevant children.