Issue - meetings

This report gives an explanation of Pupil Premium and examples of how schools make use of it.  The report outlines how Covid has impacted on the use of Pupil Premium and how schools have adapted their spend accordingly.  The report also summarises How the HAF Programme and Winter Fund Grant supported our vulnerable children and families during the pandemic.

The Headteacher, Virtual School and College presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report explained Pupil Premium and examples of how schools made use of it.  The report outlined how Covid had impacted on the use of Pupil Premium and how schools had adapted their spend accordingly.  The report also summarised how the Holidays, Activities and Food (HAF) Programme and Winter Fund Grant supported our vulnerable children and families during the pandemic.

The Committee discussed the Report and comments were made, including:

• In response to a query, the Committee was advised that once a pupil received Pupil Premium (PP), it stayed with them and although the funding was not ringfenced to a pupil, there was an expectation that the school would publish what it used PP for and Ofsted would want to know of the impact it was having on the pupils entitled to receive it
• There was a discussion around the changes in PP and the impact this could have on the most vulnerable children.  The Committee was reassured that there were several other funding streams which were available to schools and this change therefore needed to be seen in the context of the other grants available.  The Corporate Director invite the Chair and interested Committee Member to have a fuller discussion surrounding this outside of the Committee. (Action).
• The Committee was advised that Covid had had a huge impact on the needs of families and that schools were aware of this and working to adapt the support they provided working alongside charities and other agencies where appropriate to adapt to the developing needs
• In response to a query regarding the voucher scheme at Asda, the Committee was advised that take up had proved very successful, but it may not be possible to find out if the vouchers were used. (Action)

The Chair summarised the discussions as follows:

• Use of PP money in schools
• Change in PP allocation, other funding streams and a meeting to discuss further
• Take up of voucher scheme

RESOLVED that the Committee note the information contained within the update.