Topic: Education
Pupil Premium Plus
Pupil Premium Plus is a government grant to support and promote the education of children and young people in care. Learn how it works, understand the benefits and learn how to find out if you and the child you care for are eligible.
Extra funding to help at school
Pupil Premium and Pupil Premium Plus are two different things.
The Pupil Premium is extra money given to schools in England to raise the achievement of eligible pupils. Schools qualify for every child who gets free school meals.
Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) is extra money given to schools for ‘looked after children’, which includes those adopted from care and children who have left care under a Special Guardianship Order, Residence Order or Child Arrangements Order.
Children who are eligible for Pupil Premium Plus are likely to have experienced loss and trauma. Schools play a vital role as they support those children throughout their education and help them raise their attainment.
How the funding is used
The funding is not ring-fenced and is not for individual children. However, schools must publish details of how they are using the money and the impact that it is having on pupil achievement.
Schools must also have a designated teacher responsible for promoting the educational achievement of ‘looked after children’ and previously looked after children.
Pupil Premium Plus can typically be used on things such as extra training for teachers, personalised activities and support for children, counselling, and educational trips.
Schools can access guidance on best practice [insidegovernment.co.uk ↗] and ideas that will have the most impact.
You can find information about how the Pupil Premium Plus is spent on the school's website or by contacting the school directly. If you have questions or concerns, contact our support team and speak to our education specialists.
Speak to the school
If your child is eligible for the Pupil Premium Plus, you should inform the school, as they may not be aware of the child’s status. The school need to record eligibility in the October school census to receive funding in the following financial year.
When a child is in care, the virtual school looks after the Pupil Premium funding. Once they move in with you on a special guardianship order, the money is allocated directly to the school and may need to be informed.
Things you can do now
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Contact our team
Our education specialists can answer your questions or concerns Pupil Premium Plus, including how it is used. We can help you inform the school of a child's eligibility.
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See how school spends funding
Schools need to publish details online of how they spend Pupil Premium Plus. You should be able to find their details, but contact our team if you want any help.
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Inform the school of a child's eligibility
If you are unsure if the school, childcare provider or college knows the child you care for is eligible for Pupil Premium Plus, you should contact them.
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Read best practice guidance for schools
Inside Government has a helpful blog article for parents, carers and educators. It includes examples of how to use Pupil Premium Plus funding.
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Get advice from SEND charity 'Contact'
Contact is a national advice service that covers all aspects of raising a disabled child, including education for children with additional needs and advice on Pupil Premium Plus.
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Get independent SEND support
The Buckinghamshire SEND Infomation and Advice Service (SENDIAS) provides free, confidential, impartial information, advice and support on all matters relating to special educational needs and disability for children and young people aged 0 to 25 and their carers.