Pupil Premium

The Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011 and in 2012–13 individual schools were allocated funding for children from low-income families who were eligible for free school meals, looked after children and those from families with parents in the Armed Forces.

A pupil premium review of Sacred Heart was commissioned by the BKCAT MAT following an Ofsted 5-6 December 2016, which recommended an external review of Pupil premium expenditure was commissioned. The review was conducted by St Anthony’s Teaching School Alliance as an external partner to the MAT. The review took place on 27th September 2018, and the overall summary of findings stated:

‘There is a strong culture of improvement for disadvantaged pupils at Sacred Heart which is being driven by the newly appointed headteacher. Her passion permeates the entire staff team, who all aim to achieve this inspirational vision and culture of excellence for the pupils at Sacred Heart. Since her appointment and designation as pupil premium leader, progress has been rapid in terms of setting clear objectives and priorities for provision and outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. There is a shared ownership of responsibility and an overwhelming passion to provide the care and excellence required for the most vulnerable pupils in the school to improve outcomes and progress.

Robust support and challenge are provided by the school’s TIB and members interviewed on the day were able to articulate the current position and effective priorities for continued improvement. This is quickly steering the school towards improvement and although it is too early to demonstrate impact in terms of outcomes for pupils in internal and external data, evidence of clear improvement can be seen in the quality of teaching, the quality of work in pupils’ books and through interviews and observations of pupils learning. Greater consistency is emerging across school.

All key stakeholders are aware of each disadvantaged pupil’s individual and unique needs and are beginning to effectively tailor provision accordingly. This is a school that has clearly identified its strengths and areas for improvement and has laid effective foundations for the provision for disadvantaged pupils. It is outward looking and seeks to use research and support to improve even further.

High morale pervades the setting which is clearly beginning to drive up standards, especially in EYFS and Year 2 where provision and targeted support was strong and effective. All quality first teaching observed was at least good, and this now needs to be replicated across all classes. There is a shared pride in school, with pupil premium children talking of their support to their families, support through their marking and the quality of their teachers. Increasing stability in staffing is aiding this consistency of approach.

Documentation relating to pupil premium is of a high standard, with increased accuracy and succinct targets being set for the current year. Expected outcomes for 2018-19 are smart and measurable, ensuring impact can be more carefully evaluated by leaders this year. This now needs transferring to the school’s website to ensure full compliance.’ Pupil Premium Review Sept, 2017.