Pupil Premium

Helping Every Child Thrive

At Hurst Green Infant School and Nursery, we are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the Government to help schools improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between these children and their peers. 

Schools have flexibility in how they use this funding but are accountable for ensuring it is spent effectively to improve outcomes for eligible pupils. 

Who is Eligible?

Pupil Premium funding is provided for children who:

• Have been eligible for FSM at any point during the last six years (known as "Ever 6" pupils).

• Are currently eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM).

• Were previously looked after and subsequently adopted or became subject to a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order. 

• Are looked after by a local authority.

• Have a parent serving in the regular armed forces, or who meet the criteria for Service Pupil Premium.

Universal Infant Free School Meals and Pupil Premium

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal through the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) scheme. 

However, receiving a universal free meal does not automatically mean that your child is registered for Pupil Premium funding.

If you receive qualifying benefits, it is important that you apply for benefits-related Free School Meals even if your child already receives a free meal through UIFSM. By registering, you can help the school access additional funding that can be used to support children's learning, wellbeing and wider opportunities.

How We Use Pupil Premium Funding

At Hurst Green Infant School and Nursery, Pupil Premium funding may be used to support:

• High-quality teaching and learning.
• Targeted academic interventions.
• Additional adult support in the classroom.
• Speech and language development.
• Emotional wellbeing and pastoral support.
• Enrichment opportunities, educational visits and wider curriculum experiences.
• Support with attendance and engagement.
• Resources and equipment that help children access learning successfully.

Our approach is informed by evidence of what works best to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

Qualifying Benefits

Your child may be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals if you receive one of the following:

• Working Tax Credit run-on payments. 

• Universal Credit.
• Income Support.
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit.
• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual income meets the eligibility criteria).

Eligibility criteria can change over time. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the school office for the latest information or to receive support with an application.

Why Register?

Registering for benefits-related Free School Meals:

• May provide ongoing meal entitlement where applicable.
• Helps the school secure additional funding to support children's education.
• Can provide access to additional support and opportunities offered by the school.
• Remains confidential and does not affect any other benefits you receive.

Further Information

If you think your child may be eligible, please contact the school office. We will be happy to help you check eligibility and complete the application process confidentially.