Pupil Premium
In 2011-12, the Government launched its Pupil Premium funding initiative. This funding is allocated to schools based on the number of pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). Since 2012-13, the funding has been expanded to include children who have been eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years. This provides additional financial support which is effectively utilised to support these children both within and outside the curriculum. Grants are based on those pupils included in the school’s January census.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the funding stands at £1,515 per child and £2,630 for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children. Children of British Services receive funding of £350.
At Longsands Community Primary, we believe that quality first teaching and a rich curriculum are essential for the success of all children. The pupil premium funding supports our wider curriculum offer, benefiting all our pupils. We prioritise the recruitment and retention of top-quality teachers and staff, allowing us to offer additional teaching capacity through small group sessions or one-to-one interventions for identified pupils and to address learning gaps.
We also subsidise trips for pupils, including a residential learning experience for Year 6, ensuring that no child misses out due to financial constraints. Our school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, which engage children with the school community, boost self-esteem, foster a sense of belonging, and promote positive behaviours for learning.
Although pupils in Reception and KS1 are entitled to a universal free school meal, it is crucial that you still apply for free school meals if you meet the eligibility criteria. For a child joining in Reception who does not make a claim until Year 3, this is a loss of funding equal to £4545 over the first three years of their education.
If you believe that you may be entiltled to free school meals and subsequent Pupil Premium Funding, please contact the Area Education Department on 01772 532109 or online via the Lancashire County Council website here
