Pupil Premium

Supporting every child to thrive

At Aldersbrook Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, feel included and enjoy a rich and rewarding school experience.

We recognise that some families may experience additional challenges that can affect their child's learning, wellbeing or access to wider opportunities.

Through Pupil Premium funding and our wider school support offer, we aim to remove barriers, promote inclusion and ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged children.

Schools use this funding to strengthen teaching, provide additional academic and pastoral support, and improve access to opportunities that support children's development.

Pupil Premium funding is not an individual allowance. We use it strategically to respond to the needs of our pupils.

Changes to Free School Meals from September 2026

The government has introduced changes to Free School Meals eligibility, meaning more families can now access free school meals.

There are two categories:

Targeted Free School Meals

Children who meet the government's targeted eligibility criteria can receive free school meals and may also qualify for additional support linked to Pupil Premium funding.

Expanded Free School Meals

Children from households receiving Universal Credit who do not meet the targeted criteria can now receive free school meals.

However, Expanded Free School Meals eligibility alone does not generate Pupil Premium funding or the additional government entitlements associated with Targeted Free School Meals.

Families are encouraged to apply even if their child already receives a free school meal at school.

Our Pupil Premium Offer

We are proud to provide a range of opportunities and additional support to help eligible children thrive.

Depending on individual circumstances and our current provision, this may include:

● Home learning: Access to a laptop or Chromebook to support learning at home.
● Educational visits: Discounts of up to 50% on eligible school trips and educational visits.
● Residential experiences: Financial support to help children access residential opportunities.
● Breakfast and after-school provision: Subsidised places where available.
● Clubs and enrichment: Support to access extracurricular activities, music and wider learning opportunities.
● Academic support: Additional teaching, tuition and targeted interventions in reading, writing and mathematics.
● Pastoral support: Emotional wellbeing, confidence-building, social skills and support with relationships.
● Reading opportunities: Access to books and initiatives such as our school Book Fair.

We recognise that every child's circumstances are different and will work with families to identify appropriate support.

Early Years Pupil Premium

Children attending our Nursery may qualify for Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP), which is separate from school-age Pupil Premium.

EYPP provides additional funding to support eligible younger children with their early learning and development.

Please contact the school if you would like to find out more about eligibility and the support available.

How do I apply?

Families can check their eligibility and apply through the London Borough of Redbridge.

Apply here: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/schools/free-school-meals/

Even if your child already receives a free school meal, we encourage families to check whether they qualify for Targeted Free School Meals and the additional support associated with this.

If you are unsure about your eligibility or would appreciate support completing an application, please contact us.

We Are Here to Help

We understand that family circumstances can change and that asking for support is not always easy.

At Aldersbrook, we are committed to working alongside families with care, understanding and discretion.

If you have any questions about Pupil Premium, the support available or your family's circumstances, please contact:
Mr Neptali Palmer
Assistant Headteacher and Pupil Premium Lead

We are always happy to listen, offer guidance and explore how we can help.