What is Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided by the Department for Education to improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. The funding is intended to help schools address the challenges faced by disadvantaged children and to narrow the attainment and achievement gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are committed to ensuring that our disadvantaged pupils receive the support, opportunities and high-quality teaching they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Our Vision

Our aim is to ensure that disadvantaged pupils:

• Achieve highly across the curriculum.
• Attend school regularly and engage positively in learning.
• Develop confidence, resilience and independence.
• Access the same enrichment opportunities as their peers.
• Are fully prepared for the next stage of their education.

We recognise that barriers to achievement vary between individual pupils and families. Therefore, we carefully identify pupils' needs and use evidence-informed strategies to provide effective support.

How We Use Pupil Premium Funding

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, our Pupil Premium Strategy is based upon evidence of effective practice and is tailored to the needs of our pupils.

In line with Department for Education guidance, funding is used across three key areas:

High-Quality Teaching

We invest in developing and maintaining excellent teaching for all pupils through:

• Professional development for staff.
• Curriculum development and enhancement.
• Effective assessment practices.
• High-quality classroom support and intervention.

Research shows that high-quality teaching has the greatest impact on improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

Targeted Academic Support

We provide additional support where pupils require it, including:

• Small group interventions.
• One-to-one support.
• Targeted tutoring.
• Early reading and language interventions.
• Additional support for pupils identified as at risk of falling behind.

Wider Strategies

We recognise that some barriers to learning extend beyond the classroom. Funding may therefore be used to support:

• Attendance and punctuality.
• Emotional wellbeing and mental health.
• Behaviour and engagement.
• Access to educational visits and enrichment opportunities.
• Family support and pastoral provision.

These approaches help pupils attend, belong and succeed within school.

Accountability

The Principal, Senior Leadership Team and Trust Education Director regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of Pupil Premium spending.

We:

• Analyse pupil achievement and progress data.
• Monitor attendance and engagement.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
• Review expenditure against outcomes.
• Adapt strategies where necessary to ensure funding has maximum impact.

Governors provide challenge and support to ensure that Pupil Premium funding is used effectively and delivers value for money.

Pupil Premium Strategy Statement

Schools receiving Pupil Premium funding are required to publish an annual Pupil Premium Strategy Statement detailing:

• The challenges faced by disadvantaged pupils.
• The intended outcomes of the strategy.
• How funding is allocated.
• The impact of previous spending.

Our current Pupil Premium Strategy Statement can be accessed below.

Free School Meals Eligibility

Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals and Pupil Premium funding if you receive certain qualifying benefits.

Even if your child receives Universal Infant Free School Meals through Key Stage 1, it is important that eligible families still apply, as this enables the Academy to access additional funding to support children's education.

If you think your child may be eligible, please contact the School Office for further information and support with an application.