Pupil Premium is a sum of money given to schools each year by the Government, in addition to the main school funding to improve the attainment of disadvantaged children. This is based on research showing that children from low-income families perform less well at school than their peers. Pupil Premium is intended to directly benefit the children who are eligible, helping to diminish the difference between them and their peers.
Students receive Pupil Premium if they are in receipt of Free School Meals or have qualified for free school meals at any point in the past six years, classed as Ever 6.
Although all pupils at Hartford Infant and Pre-school are entitled to a free lunch, eligibility for Free School Meals and therefore Pupil Premium funding is based on the income of parents.
While we are free to spend the Pupil Premium as we see fit, we must be accountable for how we have used the additional funding to support pupils from low-income families.
At HIPS some of the Pupil Premium monies helps to fund clubs, trips and subsidise in-school experiences for children who have been eligible for recognised Free School Meals. We also fund a nurture group through this money and ensure that all children have been given a named pupil premium champion within school. This ensures all children have the same opportunities and are not disadvantaged.
Children under 19 at the start of the academic year may be eligible if their parents or carers are claiming one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (with annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, assessed over up to three recent periods)
- 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 guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (if not entitled to Working Tax Credit and with annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after stopping qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Important update: From March 2025, families who no longer meet the eligibility criteria will continue to receive free school meals until the end of their current phase of education (primary or secondary).
A child is only eligible once a claim has been made and verified by the school or local authority.
You can apply online via Cambridgeshire County Council’s website.
- The form is quick and easy to complete
- All information is confidential
- You’ll receive an instant response confirming eligibility
Children in Key Stage 2 who qualify for Pupil Premium automatically receive free school meals. In addition, Pupil Premium pupils may receive holiday vouchers and access to free holiday activities, including a nutritious lunchtime meal.
Please complete a Pupil Premium application form if you think you may be eligible—it benefits your child, your family, and our school community.
you can also apply by completing the ‘Count Me In’ form available on the left-hand side of this page or from our school office, the office staff will be more than happy to support you with this.
Hartford Infant and Preschool also receives an enhanced premium for Looked After Children (those who have been in care or adopted) which is known as Pupil Premium Plus. Additionally, the Service Premium is a smaller fund available to assist the school to provide pastoral care to the children of armed forces personnel.