Pupil Premium

'Pupil Premium' is additional funding provided to schools by the Government for some groups of students. The Government sets the amount of funding provided to each school based on the number of disadvantaged students registered. Each registered student is funded  at £935.00 which is given to the school to use at its own discretion.

At Sprowston Community Academy we use the funding provided in a variety of ways to ensure that we support students’ academic studies and also their social and emotional wellbeing.

With strong links with local companies and organisations such as KLM, BRITVIC, Norwich City Football Club, Royal Horticultural Society, Community Sports Foundation, Easton College and the UEA we are able to offer our disadvantaged students alternative learning experiences, projects and trips to raise their aspirations.

Who is Eligible for Funding?

There are many reasons why your child may be eligible for 'Pupil Premium' but it is only those who are registered through one of the following areas whichare funded via the Government. The main four reasons why students are registered are the following:

• Any student who has registered for Free School Meals in the past six years ('Forever 6').
• Looked after children (children in care and adopted children).
• Children from Armed Forces families.
• Family yearly income under £16,000

Funding

We are committed to the attainment and achievement of all students. However we recognise that some students are potentially more vulnerable than others and for this reason we are keen that the additional funds that we have been allocated are used strategically and pro-actively to narrow any gaps in achievement that may exist.

The Department for Education makes it clear that the total of Pupil Premium funding received by the school should be used to support these students as a whole.

We use the funding provided in a variety of ways to ensure that we support students’ academic studies and also their social and emotional wellbeing. Some of the key areas the funding is used for are:

• Employing high quality staff
• Additional numeracy and literacy support in lessons
• Creating a good learning environment
• Purchasing stationery, equipment and resources within school
• Funding special events within school
• Support with school uniform
• Financial support for trips

What if I need some form of financial help?

We will try to support you as much as possible, so please call the school to speak with Lynda Norman to seek advice and guidance. The school has set policies in place in regard to financial assistance. So depending on the request itself we will determine what support we are able to offer. (Please note that the school is not always able to provide financial assistance and your request may not be accepted).

Any financial help we do provide will require your part of the payment to be made in full, prior to us funding the outstanding amount. Any trips/events that require a deposit will not be funded via the school. If circumstances change and your son/daughter no longer is able to attend the trip/event your deposit is non-refundable.

Financial assistance is not always available and can be rejected based on the individual case and circumstances.

Financial assistance with uniform

Any request for uniform assistance will require a parent/carer to complete a ‘Financial Request Form’ outlining exactly what is needed, size, cost and  the contribution you are able to make. This should be returned to be processed before any uniform is given to a student. Uniform requests will be looked at as individual cases and you should be aware that it may not be successful. You will be informed either way via telephone or email. 

Is there anywhere else I can get financial help

Anguish’s Educational Foundation - Anguish's Educational Foundation makes educational grants and provides other benefits to young people resident in Norwich. The Trust will consider grants for school trips, school uniform and University maintenance grants. There is no application form and the grants are for students under 25 years old. Applicants must have been resident in the following areas for two years to apply: City of Norwich, Catton, Costessey, Hellesdon, Sprowston or Thorpe St Andrew.

The Foundation of Joanna Scott - The Foundation of Joanna Scott and Others was set up under the will of Joanna Scott dated 1709, and now it operates under schemes laid down by The Board of Education and by The Charity Commission. Under these schemes the Trustees of the charity may make grants for education (fairly widely defined) to young Norwich people aged under 25 whose homes are within 5 miles of Norwich City Hall or who attend a school within that area and whose parents are not able to afford the expense involved. Examples vary from nursery fees to degrees, and can include school uniform, trips, music, dance and gym tuition. Funds, however, are limited. The Trustees meet four times a year, but there is a subcommittee who can agree small grants.

If you wish to apply for funding please go to http://www.foundationofjoannascott.org.uk/ and complete an application form.