What is Pupil Premium?

Free School Meals and Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium is now what used to be known as ‘Free School Meals’. 

Whether our pupils are in receipt of Pupil Premium or not, all of our young people at Orchard Manor School are given a free school meal.  This is because we believe that it is extremely important for all our young people to receive a healthy and nutritional meal whilst they are with us.  

In addition, our young people use their lunch times as a period of learning how to eat together, having time to chat with their friends and the staff, and an opportunity to try different foods made by our dedicated team in our kitchens on site.

It is a time to be social and relax and it is really enjoyed by everyone. 

The Pupil Premium funding helps both the school and your child.  It is not only for providing school lunches! 

The additional Pupil Premium funding we get from the government is used to enable your child to access additional targeted support and opportunities which can be personalised to them or be as part of a programme. 

We use the funding we receive in many different ways, including 1:1 intervention in core subjects, specialist resources, payments towards trips and in some situations funding clothing and specialist equipment, for example

If your child wants to take part in the 10 Tors or the Jubilee Challenge, the school can help fund the cost of their specialist kit - the hiking gear, coats, their walking boots or other warm clothing.  In this situation, the teacher will contact parents and the teacher will order and pay for the kit - with the young person being able to choose the size and colour!  Of course, this is all done extremely discreetly. 

In some situations Pupil Premium funding may also be used to purchase school uniform. 

If you would like support to access Pupil Premium funding or any questions please contact

Adele Thomas:  athomas@orchard-manor.org

So, who is entitled to Pupil Premium?

From year 3 onwards, children whose Parents are getting any of the following are entitled to pupil premium:

• 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).
• Income Support (IS).
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA).
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (IRESA).
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit.
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, that does not exceed £16,190).
• Working Tax Credit run-on (the payment you get for a further 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit).

So, how do I apply for Pupil Premium?

If your child doesn't currently receive free school meals but you think they might be eligible for them, please apply online through the Devon Citizens Portal as soon as possible.

https://new.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/school-information/school-meals

"We encourage all children to have a healthy and nutritional meal at lunchtime and a snack during morning break. Research shows that children who have a nutritionally balanced meal (rather than one that has too much sugar and fat) are better able to concentrate in lessons".

This is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision.

---

Alternatively, call the

Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019  

 Google  “Free school meals Devon” and click on the link or 

You can email them at freeschoolmeals@devon.gov.uk

If you feel that your child is entitled to this funding and additional support but you are unable to access this application please contact Tia Beddow or Danielle Sherwood and we will be able to support you with the process.

Please be assured that this additional support, and any interventions offered to pupils with Pupil Premium funding, is completely confidential and discreet within the school.