What is Pupil Premium?
The pupil premium was introduced by the government in April 2011. It was designed to give additional money to support schools in raising the attainment of children. The premium is used to support students who are currently on Free School Meals (FSM) or have been registered for them in the past six years. Students in care, who have been looked after by local authorities for more than six months also continue to qualify for the Pupil Premium.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CLAIMING FREE SCHOOL MEALS
School meals are a good way to ensure that your child eats well at lunchtime, and they can also save you time and money.
Claiming free school meals also helps the school. We get extra funding, known as the ‘pupil premium’, for every eligible pupil who is registered.
HOW IS THE PUPIL PREMIUM FUNDING USED?
The Pupil Premium money could make a big difference to your child’s future; more support with key academic skills, clubs, mentoring, specialist training for staff, better resources, social and emotional support.
We ask that you help us to help your child by ensuring that you have checked to see if you are eligible for the premium money.
HOW CAN I ENSURE THE SCHOOL GETS THE FUNDING?
The more eligible pupils that are registered for free school meals, the more funding the school receives.
Registering does not mean your child has to take up free school meals if they don’t want to.
You should still register for free school meals even if you would rather your child had a different meal, such as a packed lunch
How to register for free school meals
If you are claiming free school meals for the first time
One of the main reasons cashless catering was installed at Ryburn was to remove any worries parents and students may have had about being identified by others as receiving free school meals.
You are entitled to free school meals if you receive any of the following:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support Under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of £16,190 or less, as assessed by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
If you are eligible for Free School Meals, the school will credit your child’s account each day for them to get a meal of their choice. This amount will not accumulate as it will be refreshed each school day. You will also be able to top up this account if your child wants to spend more than the allocated amount.
IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED FREE SCHOOL MEALS AT A PREVIOUS SCHOOL
If you have previously qualified for Free School Meals, you will need to reapply for your child/children to continue receiving them once they start at Ryburn. You need to renew your claim by calling Calderdale Council Revenue and Benefit Service on 01422 288003 and informing them that your child will be attending Ryburn Valley High School; your child will not be entitled to receive a free school meal until your claim is awarded.