What is Pupil Premium?

The pupil premium is additional funding given to schools by the Government

to support disadvantaged pupils and help them achieve their full potential. Introduced in 2011, this funding is based on research showing that children from low-income families often face barriers to learning, such as poor language and communication skills, lack of confidence, or issues with attendance. At Kingsway Junior School, we use pupil premium funding to provide targeted support that directly benefits eligible children, helping to close the gap between them and their classmates so that every child can thrive.

---

Who is eligible for Pupil Premium funding?

Your child may be eligible for pupil premium funding if they meet any of the following criteria:

Free School Meals eligibility

Your child qualifies for free school meals (and pupil premium) if you receive any of these benefits:

• Universal Credit (with a net household income of £7,400 or less per year)
• 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're not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

Important: Once your child is registered for free school meals, they will continue to attract pupil premium funding for the next 6 years, even if your circumstances change. This is called 'Ever 6' eligibility.

Other eligible groups

Your child is also eligible for pupil premium funding if they:

• Are currently in local authority care (looked-after children)
• Have been adopted from care or left care under a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order
• Have a parent serving in the regular armed forces, or who has served at any point in the last 6 years

---

What you need to do

If you think your child is eligible for free school meals:

Apply online through Hertfordshire County Council's website, or contact our school office and we'll help you with the application process.

Even if your child receives universal infant free school meals (available to all children in reception, year 1 and year 2), you should still apply if you meet the eligibility criteria above. This ensures the school receives pupil premium funding to support your child throughout their time at Kingsway Junior School.

If your child was previously in care:

Please let us know by contacting the school office. You'll need to provide supporting evidence, such as a copy of the adoption order or legal documentation. You can conceal sensitive information (such as birth parents' names) if you wish. This information helps us access additional funding to support your child.

If you have a parent in the armed forces:

Please inform the school office so we can ensure your child is recorded correctly and receives appropriate support.

---

Why registering matters

Registering your child for free school meals (if eligible) means:

• Additional funding for the school - We receive extra money specifically to support your child's learning
• No cost to you - Free school meals save families around £400 per year per child
• Confidential - Other children and parents won't know who receives free school meals
• Long-term benefit - Your child will attract funding for 6 years, even if your circumstances improve

If you have any questions or need help applying, please contact our school office. We're here to help, and all enquiries are treated in strict confidence.

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/pupil-premium-guide/