The Pupil Premium funding was introduced in April 2011, and paid by means of a specific grant based on school census figures for pupils.

Pupil premium is additional funding received by schools for each pupil from disadvantaged families or backgrounds. Findings show that, as a group, children who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in time have consistently lower educational attainment than those who have never been eligible for free school meals.

The funding is allocated to schools based on the number of children who meet one (or more) of the following criteria:

• pupils who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years

• children who have been looked after continuously for more than six months

• children where a parent serves in the armed forces

Whilst pupil premium funds are used to benefit these pupils, the activities and resources can benefit a wider group depending on need identification.

At The Willows we recognise the importance of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and therefore creating sustainable systems which enable all to flourish and become lifelong learners is central to any spending planned.

As we plan our strategy to make additional provision made for pupils who belong to vulnerable groups, the Governors and staff The Willows strive to ensure that the needs of socially disadvantaged pupils are adequately assessed and clarified at termly pupil progress meetings. In making provision for socially disadvantaged pupils, the Governors and staff recognise that not all pupils who receive free school meals will be socially disadvantaged.