What is Pupil Premium?

The government provides additional funding to schools to help close the gaps in attainment between students who are entitled to free school meals (FSM) or have been at some point in the last six years (FSM6). This is called Pupil Premium funding. Children who are looked after (LAC) are also entitled to Pupil Premium funds. Schools are free to decide the best use of the money as we are judged to be in the best place to assess what additional provision could, and should, be made for each student. This is monitored rigorously by the school’s leadership and governance, and externally by the local authority and OFSTED.

Is my child eligible for Pupil Premium?

Students are eligible for Pupil Premium if:

• They have been in receipt of Free School Meals between January 2018 and October 2023 (Ever 6 FSM)
• They are Looked After Children (LAC) e.g living with foster parents, living in a residential children's home or living in residential settings like schools or secure units.
• They are previously-Looked After Children e.g  they were looked after by an English or Welsh LA immediately before being adopted, or left care under a special guardianship order or child arrangements order

Ever 6 service children

• A student is eligible for service premium if they are an ‘ever 6 service child’.

Is my child eligible to receive Free School Meals?

Families who receive certain benefits may be eligible for free school meals.  Your child is eligible for Free School Meals if you’re in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400.
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual income of no more than £17,005

How can I apply for Free School Meals for my child?

Please follow the link below to apply for Free School Meals for your child:

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ufs/HCWH.eb?ebd=0&ebz=2_1624454409969

If you do not meet the criteria for free school meals but need some support to buy food or pay household bills, help is available. Contact HertsHelp for advice and practical support – call 0300 123 4044, email info@hertshelp.net or visit www.hertshelp.net.

You can also find further information around support at Hertfordshire County Council | Help to manage the cost of living