The Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) was introduced by the Government in April 2011. It is an additional sum of money given to schools to raise the attainment of specific groups of pupils and close the insurance gap between them and their peers.

The funding is allocated to the school based on our annual school census figures for the following groups of children:

• Targeted FSM: Children who are registered for—or have been eligible for—Targeted Free School Meals (households earning £7,400 or less) at any point in the past six years. (Please note: Children qualifying under the new 'Expanded FSM' tier do not receive this funding).

• Previously Looked-After Children: Children who have left local authority care in England and Wales through adoption, a special guardianship order, a residence order, or a child arrangements order.

• Service Children: Children recorded as a service child on the school census, or those in receipt of a child pension from the Ministry of Defence.

From September, important national changes introduced by the Government regarding Free School Meals (FSM) and Pupil Premium funding will take effect.

What are the new rules?

Free School Meals will now be split into two tiers based on your household income and benefits:

• Targeted FSM: For families on Universal Credit earning £7,400 or less (or those on other qualifying legacy benefits). Children receive free meals, and the school receives vital Pupil Premium funding to support their education.

• Expanded FSM: A new category for families earning above £7,400 who still qualify for Universal Credit. Children will receive free school meals, but the school will not receive extra Pupil Premium funding for them.

Why do I need to check my eligibility?

Crucially, the Government’s temporary "transitional protections" are coming to an end.

This means that even if your child currently receives Free School Meals, their eligibility will not automatically roll over into the new school year.

Because the rules have expanded to cover more families on Universal Credit, your child might now be entitled to free meals even if you didn't qualify in the past.

We strongly encourage all families to complete a quick online eligibility check. This ensures your child does not lose their meals, helps you see if you qualify under the new expanded rules, and helps our school secure essential funding.

How to complete the check

The check is quick, secure, and uses the official LGfL (London Grid for Learning) FSM Checker. The school will be automatically notified of the result, and you will remain on our register to make future annual checks seamless.

To complete the check, you will need:

• The School Name: This will be found under T for "The Alderton Junior School"

• Your child’s name

• Your official first and last name

• Your date of birth

• Your National Insurance Number (or National Asylum Support Service number)

• Your email address and telephone number