The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most.
The Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011 and is allocated to schools to work with pupils who have been registered for free school meals at any point in the last six years (known as ‘Ever 6 FSM’). Schools also receive funding for children who have been looked after continuously for more than six months and children of service personnel.
Schools have been advised that the funding can be used for such items as: after school activities; private tuition; extra curricula support; school trips; confidence/capacity building activities; equipment to support learning; or any item or service that supports the young person’s education.
Although schools are encouraged to consult with external agencies, where ever possible, the ultimate decision on how the funding is utilised is the responsibility of the headteacher, governing body and staff of the school. However, schools are accountable for how the funding is spent.
NK Academy: Pupil Premium Charter
Our Pupil Premium Charter sets out many of the practical ways in which we can support your child through our Pupil Premium Strategy. Our belief is that all students should achieve their potential and no child should be left behind either socially or academically. We aim to raise the lifelong aspirations of students, remove barriers to learning and achieve excellent outcomes.
Our package of support for Pupil Premium students focuses on the whole child, with a range of strategies to improve wellbeing through a sense of belonging, with high levels of social, emotional and mental health support. It also recognises the importance of attendance, and enrichment in ensuring progress for our Pupil Premium students. We are committed to creating opportunities beyond the classroom curriculum and ensuring that disadvantage is not a barrier in accessing these so that every child can achieve.
Support Available
At NK Academy, we focus on four main areas to remove barriers to learning and help all students achieved their potential.
Attendance
Attendance is crucial for student success. We work with families to overcome barriers to good attendance.
- We ensure that all families have access to the personalised support, both internally (such as access to Pastoral Support Assistants, Head of Year and Inclusion Lead) and externally (such as the Pupil Reintegration Team and other bespoke training and support).
Belonging
All students should feel safe and supported at the academy and given opportunities to raise aspirations.
- We offer quiet spaces where students can work in a relaxed but focussed atmosphere, including a fully resourced library, study support computer room and inclusion space called ‘The Bridge’.
- An exceptional pastoral team work with students to ensure that they feel safe at the academy and know who to talk to if they have concerns.
- All students have one-to-one careers meetings at the end of Year 10, throughout Year 11 and during Sixth Form and are given support with applications.
- The Careers Fair introduces students to providers from employers and further education establishments to encourage students to raise aspirations.
- A full programme of PSHE and CEAIG activities, visitors and workshops is delivered each year.
- Every student belongs to an academy house, and their good effort builds towards collective reward and their feedback is regularly taken to ensure that we are contributing to the whole experience of life at NK Academy.
Enrichment
All students should have full access to the full range of extra-curricular activities available, and enjoy increased engagement through learning opportunities.
- Barriers are removed to participation in extra-curricular activities. Trips, visits, music lessons and participation in e.g. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme can be offered at discounted rates.
- Families are supported with uniform costs and there is a uniform exchange through the academy so that students can swap to larger sizes as they make their way through the key stages.
- The academy supplements the canteen budget to ensure all Free School Meals are nutritious at lunchtime and provides an opportunity to attend Breakfast club and select a morning snack
Achievement
All students should receive the necessary support and equipment to succeed at NK Academy.
- Access to technology should not be a barrier. We ensure that all students have access to a device, whether that be during AM or PM home learning clubs, or at home
- Revision resources are provided to students in Year 10 for all courses
- Revision sessions are run during Easter and May half term holidays for Year 11 and Year 13
- A wide range of strategies are implemented to encourage a lifelong love of reading, including through PDT (Personal Development Time) everyday with their tutors.
Who is eligible for Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is additional funding that the government gives to schools to support students. The qualifying criteria is identical to the Free School Meals eligibility check.
Qualifying benefits are:
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
- Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Families who receive any level of Working Tax Credit are not entitled to free school meals
Applying for Free School Meals
Please note that the process has changed regarding Free School Meals. Parents need to apply to Lincolnshire County Council’s online free school meals application service which provides parents and guardians with an easy to use Parent Portal to apply for free school meals using the following link: Synergy – Enquiry
The Lincolnshire County Council Customer Services Centre can be contacted by calling 01522 782030.
Pupil Premium Lead
The Pupil Premium Lead at NK Academy is Mr Lee Athersych (Assistant Headteacher, Inclusion) who can be contacted via [email protected]
Pupil Premium Documents
It is a requirement that by the end of the autumn term each year the school publishes how the previous year’s pupil premium money made an impact on closing the educational gap between those pupils receiving pupil premium and those not receiving pupil premium.