Schools Minister David Laws has confirmed that the funding primary schools receive for disadvantaged children under the Pupil Premium is to increase from £1,300 to £1,320 per pupil for 2015 to 2016.
The increased funding is designed to support schools in providing additional resources for teachers to help their most disadvantaged pupils from falling behind.
Pupil Premium funding is allocated to schools for children who have been registered for Free School Meals (FSM) at any time in the last six years.
Children are also eligible for the funding if they are looked after by the local authority or have left care through adoption or other circumstances, however schools receive more funding for these pupils. Mr Laws confirmed that schools will continue to receive £1,900 per pupil in the next school year as they do now.
The schools minister said, ‘Every child should be able to reach their full potential, whatever their background. The Pupil Premium is building a fairer society with opportunity for everyone.
‘We know schools are using their Pupil Premium funding more effectively than ever to raise the performance of those children who need extra help.
‘We have already made significant progress towards closing the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. This additional funding will ensure teachers continue to have the resources they need to give all pupils the best possible start at school, regardless of their background.’
The announcement follows calls by the early years sector to increase the amount settings are to receive under the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) to match pro-rata the funding given to schools.
From April 2015, nurseries and other early years providers will receive an extra £300 per year for disadvantaged three and four-year-olds that take up the full 570 hours. This equates to an hourly rate of 53p per child per hour.
