Pupil Premium (Also known as Free School Meals)
At Orchard Infant School, we believe every child deserves a fair chance to succeed. As an inclusive school, we are committed to providing support and opportunities for all our students, including those eligible for Free School Meals.
The Pupil Premium is a government funding scheme aimed at helping schools ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are not left behind. It provides additional resources to support these students and bridge the achievement gap.
If your child is eligible for Income-based Free School Meals, they automatically qualify for Pupil Premium funding. This funding allows us to offer a range of targeted interventions, such as extra tuition, mentoring programs, and access to enriching extracurricular activities.
What are the benefits to me of registering my child for Pupil Premium (FSM) funding?
In addition to additional curriculum support, parents of eligible children will receive the following benefits:-
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
We have arranged a wide range of educational visits to enhance your child's learning during the academic year 23/24. These forthcoming trips are designed to enrich the Integrated Curriculum Projects.
If your child is registered for ‘Pupil Premium’ we will meet the cost of the voluntary contribution for the school trip from school budget and no contribution will be requested.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
If your child would like to attend an after school club please apply to register your interest each term. Places are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. We strongly encourage you to sign up for a club for your child as there is no payment required if your child is registered for Pupil Premium.
SHOE VOUCHERS
We are able to issue all our Pupil Premium pupils with a shoe voucher twice a year that can be redeemed in specific local shops so that they can have a new pair of school shoes. These vouchers are kindly donated by Dibden Allotments Association. Please ask for your voucher from the school office if your child is eligible.
HOLIDAY CLUBS
Hampshire Holiday Activity and Food Fund (HAF)
Hampshire Holiday, Activity and Food Fund (HAF) is a government funded support scheme for children who qualify for income-based free school meals (Pupil Premium).
One of the schemes that they support is free school holiday activity clubs for eligible children. Please use the link above for details of the local clubs available so that you can book your child's place.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Although Infant aged children currently qualify for free school dinners through the Universal Infant Free School meals scheme, when they transfer to Junior school, charges are made for school lunches, unless children are eligible for income-based free school meals, so apply now rather than later.
What is the criteria for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium) Eligibility?
A child is eligible for free school meals if their parent or carer receives one or more of the following benefits:
* Income Support
* Income-based Job Seekers' 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 are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit, and have an annual gross income, of no more than £16,190 as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (Parents who are made redundant or start working less that 16 hours per week, may find their children are entitled to free meals for a limited period.)
* Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
* Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
Criteria for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium) Eligibility
How do I apply or check if I am eligible?
You can apply for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium) at anytime or simply check your eligibility by completing a very quick form via this link. You will need your National Insurance number, as well as you and your child's date of birth and contact details. You are usually told if your child is eligible instantly. If you are unsure if your child would qualify, please check your child's eligibility rather than miss out on the benefits and funding for our school.
Apply for Pupil Premium or Check Eligibility Status
Help with the cost of living - the Connect4communities programme
The connect4communities programme operates in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is funded by grants from the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund and the Department for Education Holiday Activities and Food.
The programme aims to support those most in need with significantly rising living costs, particularly families with children and pensioners who would otherwise struggle with energy, food and water bills.
Connect4communities Programme
IMPACT OF PUPIL PREMIUM FUNDING
PUPIL PREMIUM STRATEGY STATEMENT
ois pupil premium strategy statement 2023 2024.pdf
