What is the Pupil Premium? 

The Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to improve outcomes for pupils who may face barriers to learning. This includes pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), those who have been Looked After by a local authority, and children who have been adopted or are subject to Special Guardianship Orders. 

The funding is intended to help schools reduce educational disadvantage by ensuring that all pupils have access to high-quality teaching, support and wider opportunities that enable them to succeed. 

Our approach at Tewin Cowper 

At Tewin Cowper Church of England Primary School, our approach is guided by our mustard seed vision and our school motto: Believe, Grow, Succeed. We believe that every child has the potential to flourish when given the right support, encouragement and opportunities. 

We are committed to providing a fully inclusive environment where all pupils feel valued, supported and challenged to achieve their very best. Leaders maintain high expectations for every pupil and work proactively to remove barriers to learning so that all children can participate fully in school life. 

Leadership and strategic use of funding 

School leaders carefully monitor the progress, wellbeing and participation of disadvantaged pupils to ensure that support is well targeted and effective. The use of Pupil Premium funding is reviewed regularly so that provision is responsive to pupils’ needs and focused on securing strong outcomes. 

Funding is allocated following a detailed analysis of need and may support individual pupils, small groups or wider provision that benefits disadvantaged learners. Our approach prioritises: 

• High-quality teaching for all pupils 

• Targeted academic support to secure strong progress 

• Pastoral and wellbeing support to strengthen confidence and engagement in learning 

• Access to enrichment opportunities, including trips, clubs and wider experiences that broaden pupils’ horizons 

• Removing barriers to participation so that all pupils can fully engage in school life 

While Pupil Premium funding is linked to specific eligibility criteria, the school recognises that disadvantage can affect pupils in different ways. Leaders therefore take a flexible and responsive approach to ensure that support is directed where it will have the greatest impact. 

Promoting inclusion and opportunity 

At Tewin Cowper, we aim to ensure that every pupil feels a strong sense of belonging and has access to the opportunities needed to believe in themselves, grow in confidence and succeed. Through careful leadership, strong pastoral support and high expectations, disadvantaged pupils are supported to participate fully in the academic and wider life of the school. 

Free School Meals 

At Tewin Cowper the number of pupils eligible for Free School Meals is small. However, it is important that families who are eligible apply for this support, as this helps the school access additional funding that directly benefits pupils. 

Parents and carers who may be eligible for Free School Meals, including those whose children receive Universal Free School Meals in Early Years and Key Stage 1, are encouraged to apply. 

For Early Years applications, please visit: 
www.hertsdirect.org/eypp 

For Years 1–6 applications, please visit: 
www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals 

If you would like help with an application, please contact the Hertfordshire Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4048 (8am–8pm Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm Saturday), or speak to the school office, who will be happy to support you.