Pupil Premium, Free School Meals, Universal Infant Free School Meals

• All children in Reception, year 1 and year 2 are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals.
• Children who come from families who receive some forms of benefit may be entitled to Free School Meals for a period of time.
• Any child who is entitled to Free School Meals will automatically become entitled to Pupil Premium for 6 years. This will last even if the child stops being eligible for Free School Meals.
• If your child is eligible for Universal Infant Free School Meals but may also be entitled to Free School Meals then we would encourage you to apply for Free School Meals as you will receive additional benefits.

Benefits of Universal Infant Free School Meals

• Free school meals while the child is in Reception, year 1 and year 2.
• Free fruit each day while the child is in Reception, year 1 and year 2.

Benefits of Free School Meals

• Free school meals while the child is entitled to Free School Meals.
• Automatic entitlement to Pupil Premium (that lasts for 6 years even if the child is no longer eligible for Free School Meals).

Benefits of Pupil Premium

• Free milk and fruit each day.
• One free homework kit (geometry set or pencil case with colouring pencils etc)
• One free PE kit (t shirt, shorts & PE bag)
• One free uniform polo shirt
• One free uniform sweatshirt/cardigan
• One free book bag
• Support towards school trips and visits

For each child who is entitled to Pupil Premium funding, the government gives the school an extra £1300 per annum. So even if you don't wish to take advantage of Free School Meals, then we would encourage you to apply so that you will benefit from Pupil Premium and the school will benefit from the additional funding.

We would like to encourage as many parents as possible to apply by completing the registration form on this link: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/schools-&-learning/help-with-school-&-learning-costs/free-school-meals/

The process is very quick and simple; you only need to complete this form once and it will last for the duration of your child’s time at Fulbourn Primary School. The Education Welfare Benefits Office will inform parents if the child becomes ineligible for Free School Meals (even if the child is still eligible for Pupil Premium).

Frequently Asked Questions about Pupil Premium Funding:

What is Pupil Premium funding?

In 2011-12 the Government launched its pupil premium funding. This money is sent to schools by Central Government based on the numbers of pupils in the school who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). From 2012-13, it was expanded to include all children who have been eligible for FSM within the last 6 years. In addition, children whose parents work in the Forces or children who are ‘Looked After Children’ receive a grant. Currently the pupil premium is worth £1300 per pupil to the school.

How is Pupil Premium spending monitored?

This money is allocated by the school to initiatives specifically designed to ensure eligible children reach their full potential, both academically and socially. Each school may decide how best to use the funding and they are held accountable for how it has been used to support pupils from low income families. We believe the provision for students in receipt of Pupil Premium needs to be strategically led and carefully managed at an operational level. This provision is currently led by our Pupil Premium Coordinator – Beci McCaughran. Provision for pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium will be offered based on identified group and individual needs, with pupils accessing as many of the provisions and interventions as they individually require.

Will my child be identifiable as a ‘Pupil Premium’ child?

Often parents are concerned that there is a stigma attached to being seen as a ‘low income’ family. At Fulbourn Primary School, all matters regarding free school meals and pupil premium are treated confidentially. The key purpose of our Pupil Premium funding is to enable all the pupils to reach their full potential. We work with our families and colleagues to make sure everyone involved with the child has high aspirations. We recognise that barriers to achievement take a variety of forms and will do whatever it takes to support a child, both in and out of the classroom. In order to achieve this we offer our children a wide range of opportunities, we always make sure these are accessible for everyone.

Please read the information below which gives details of our Pupil Premium and Recovery Grants, including how we allocate the funding.

Applying for Free School Meals

The Cambridgeshire County Council has redesigned their online form for families wishing to check their free school meal (FSM) and Pupil Premium eligibility.  Significant improvements made to the online application process enable parents/carers (in most cases) to get an instant result of the outcome of their application.

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Families can access the online application at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals. The Education Welfare Benefits Team are happy to answer any queries and can be contacted on 01223 703200 or ewb.fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.