Closing the gap in attainment
Schools nationally have identified a widening gap in the attainment of students from economically disadvantaged families and their peers. Pupils Premium is additional funding provided by government to support these students and close the gap in attainment.
Our Catholic Mission
In St Paul’s letter to the Philippines, he reminds us that “I can do all things through him who strengthen me” (Phil 4:3)
This reminds us that it is Christ who strengthens the most vulnerable and we are to be like Christ to provide the support needed to ensure all gods children entrusted to st. Philip Howard Catholic school achieve their God given potential and becoming the people God calls them to be. Our Pupil premium strategy plan is at the heart and foundation of our Catholic mission and school ethos.
The Criteria
A student will appear on our Pupil Premium register if they meet any of the criteria because it is possible that children in these categories might have experienced a barrier to their learning.
- Currently in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM);
- Having received Free School Meals some time in the past 6 years, even it not receiving FSM right now (known as the Ever 6 FSM measure);
- Students from service families;
- Children who ‘looked after’ (CLA);
- Children who have been adopted from care;
Schools are free to use the Pupil Premium as they see fit but must be accountable how the Pupil Premium has been used.
We closely monitor the progress of all our Pupil Premium students in line with their peers and provide interventions to those students who require them to support their learning and help them achieve their maximum potential.
How do I apply for free school meals?
If you believe they may be then please go to the West Sussex County website and complete their free checking service.
Once agreed by West Sussex Council children will get free school meals if they meet the criteria and are in school both before and after lunchtime.
Please note that checks are completed using the Department for Education Eligibility Checking System (ECS). Once a parent/guardian has been determined to be entitled the individual child will remain as entitled under Government Universal Credit transitional protections until the end of their phase of education (i.e. Primary or Secondary) during, and after, the transitional period of 1st April 2018 to 31st of March 2023. Therefore it is not necessary to reapply. Free School Meals eligibility applies to the individual child and not the family or extended family. This means that younger children will not become entitled to Free School Meals simply because their older sibling is in receipt of transitional protections.
For further information please contact Mrs Abbey Wadey, our Pupil Premium Lead, by e-mailing: awadey@sphcs.co.uk
Our Pupil Premium Strategy
The fundamental principle behind of strategy for our Pupil Premium provision is the same as it is for each and every child in our school – to ensure that they are known and loved and to allow them to fulfil their God given potential. We work with every child to help to identify any barriers or difficulties that they might be experiencing and look to identify interventions and support on a personal level.
How we measure it
We measure the effect of our Pupil Premium provision through a number of different ways, including attendance, academic success and most importantly the happiness and personal success of each child.
Our Pupil Premium strategy is reviewed on an annual basis formally by governors and during each academic year as part of our ongoing monitoring and review processes.
2023 - 2024 Funding Allocations
Support for our Pupil Premium students is provided in a number of ways, including the provision of extra curriculum resources, targeted support by teachers, Heads of Year, Learning Support Assistants, intervention tutors and a large pastoral team.
Progress is monitored regularly through interim reports and profiles. Any concerns, including potential underachievement, are followed up by the Head of Year and Head of Departments. Our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) closely monitor these interventions and are personally involved with individual mentoring of students. Targeted interventions and support for each relevant student are carefully monitored and evaluated.
A break down of funding allocations can be seen or for a more detailed understanding please refer to our pupil premium strategy.
target areas of support
Academic
Individual or small group tuition in English and Mathematics,
Organisation skills
Exam preparation
After school ILTs and study support club
Literacy and numeracy support
Smaller class sets in English, mathematics and science
Personalised curriculum
Personalised learning support (PLS) lessons
emotional
1-to1 mentoring with Heads of Year and leadership team
Early Intervention
Social and emotional wellbeing
Referrals for counselling support
Wellbeing Hub
Chaplaincy small groups, days of reflection and mentoring
personal
Exploring their faith
Trips support
Uniform support
Parents’ Evening booking support
Support with Free School Meals applications
University of Sussex widening and participation partnership (select year groups)
Careers appointment priority
Work experience support
Attendance watchlist
Support with Google Chrome Book Scheme
Pre-loved uniform shop
