COVID-19 Update (March 2021)

Due to the changes to educational provision caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the detail in this Pupil Premium strategy has been subject to review since March 2021. Our use of the funding has been adapted to meet students’ needs as they have arisen, whilst maintaining where possible the principles outlined in this document, and in others related to the PPG.

During the pandemic the following key steps have been taken to ensure that ‘disadvantaged’ pupils’ barriers to learning will continue to be overcome wherever possible:

· Step 1 - Children attended school

· Step 2 - Ensuring children have the correct tools to complete home learning

· Step 3 - Family support through telephone conversations, 1:1 zoom calls and emails

Future versions of the strategy will reflect the changes that are currently being made.

Shakespeare Infant School supports the  link between pupil health and wellbeing and attainment

Research evidence shows that education and health are closely linked. So promoting the health and wellbeing of pupils within schools  has the potential to improve their educational outcomes and their health and wellbeing outcomes. 

Key points as highlighted in the publication below:

1. Pupils with better health and wellbeing are likely to achieve better academically.

2. Effective social and emotional competencies are associated with greater health and wellbeing, and better achievement.

3. The culture, ethos and environment of a school influences the health and wellbeing of pupils and their readiness to learn.

4. A positive association exists between academic attainment and physical activity levels of pupils.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/370686/HT_briefing_layoutvFINALvii.pdf

School leaders with responsibility for administering the PPG have used this information to update the strategy and also drawn on these helpful publications from the Children’s Commissioner and the Education Endowment Foundation:

https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cco-tackling-the-disadvantage-gap-during-the-covid-19-crisis.pdf

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/covid-19-resources/best-evidence-on-impact-of-school-closures-on-the-attainment-gap/

They will continue to follow guidance and advice from relevant bodies as it emerges, in consultation with other stakeholders.

Pupil Premium Expenditure

Schools receive extra funding for children who are eligible for free school meals, children in care and children of service families. These children statistically are less likely to achieve as well academically as their peers. Hence extra funding is allocated to school to support their learning. The following table shows expenditure at this school over the last academic years and  proposed expenditure for the financial year 2020-2021.