What is the Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is a government funding stream, introduced in 2011, designed to support schools in narrowing the attainment gap for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Evidence shows that children facing economic and social challenges can experience barriers to learning that impact their educational outcomes.

This additional funding is allocated to schools based on the number of pupils registered for Free School Meals (FSM), children who are Looked After or previously Looked After, and children from service families. The aim is to ensure these pupils receive the targeted support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our Vision for Pupil Premium at Larwood

At Larwood School, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed. Our focus is on removing barriers to learning and accelerating progress for those eligible for Pupil Premium funding, so that they achieve outcomes in line with, or beyond, their peers.

We understand that many of our pupils face significant challenges linked to their social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. These can be compounded by factors such as:

• Disrupted education or poor prior attendance

• Adverse childhood experiences or family difficulties

• Housing instability or financial hardship

• Bereavement, trauma, or health issues

Because of this, we take a holistic view of progress. We measure success not only through academic attainment, but also through improvements in confidence, resilience, behaviour, attendance, and emotional wellbeing. Every child’s starting point is unique, and we celebrate progress from wherever they begin their journey with us.

What We Aim to Achieve

Through the effective and strategic use of Pupil Premium funding, we aim to:

• Accelerate academic progress in core areas including literacy, numeracy, and communication

• Narrow attainment gaps between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, both within school and nationally

• Support emotional and social development, helping pupils to manage feelings, build positive relationships, and develop self-regulation

• Improve engagement and attendance, ensuring pupils are present, ready to learn, and motivated to succeed

• Provide enriching experiences that broaden horizons, build cultural capital, and inspire ambition

• Prepare pupils for their future, including successful transitions to further education, training, or employment

How We Use Pupil Premium Funding

Our approach is guided by research, best practice, and a deep understanding of our pupils’ individual needs. Strategies include:

Quality First Teaching

We invest in high-quality teaching across all classes, with continuous professional development to ensure every lesson is engaging, well-differentiated, and responsive to pupils’ needs. Quality first teaching is the foundation of closing the gap.

Targeted Academic Interventions

Small group and 1:1 support in literacy, numeracy, and phonics, delivered by skilled teachers and teaching assistants, to address specific gaps and accelerate learning.

Pastoral and Wellbeing Support

Our team of Family Support Workers, Wellbeing Mentors, and Behaviour Support staff provide tailored emotional and social support. This might include therapeutic interventions, mentoring, or family liaison work to address wider barriers to learning.

Attendance and Engagement Initiatives

We work closely with families to improve attendance and punctuality, and offer incentives, support plans, and outreach to ensure every child is in school and ready to learn.

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

From educational visits and residential trips to music, art, sport, and Forest School, we provide experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity, and develop the whole child.

Specialist Resources and Environments

We invest in resources, technology, and learning spaces that meet the sensory, communication, and learning needs of our pupils, ensuring they can access the curriculum fully.

Transition and Careers Support

Tailored programmes, including external placements, college tasters, and careers advice, help pupils build the skills and aspirations they need for life beyond Larwood.

Monitoring and Impact

We take our responsibility for Pupil Premium funding seriously. Progress and impact are monitored rigorously through:

• Termly data analysis and pupil progress meetings

• Regular review of intervention effectiveness

• Tracking of attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing data

• Feedback from pupils, families, and staff

• Governor oversight and challenge

Our Pupil Premium strategy is reviewed annually and published on our website, along with a detailed impact statement showing how funding has been spent and the difference it has made.

Our Promise

At Larwood School, we believe that every child deserves the chance to shine. Pupil Premium funding is a vital part of how we make that happen – ensuring that no child is held back by their circumstances, and that all pupils leave us equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in the next stage of their lives.

Further Information

To view our current Pupil Premium Strategy and Impact Report, please visit the Key Information section of our website or contact the school office.

Larwood School – Empowering every child to reach their potential.