Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 33
33
The Department must also acknowledge that due to funding pressures 34% of headteachers are using...
Conclusion
The Department must also acknowledge that due to funding pressures 34% of headteachers are using the premium to plug financial gaps in other parts of their operation. We note the Department’s recent changes to the conditions of the pupil premium grant, but in the light of the Sutton Trust’s findings about the number of schools using their grant to plug other gaps, we want to see more action. We will hold the Department to account for their progress, and should the reforms not be successful in ensuring this funding always directly benefits the most disadvantaged we will expect the Department to consider further measures. This should include ringfencing a percentage of the pupil premium grant to offer activities and enrichment opportunities to disadvantaged pupils, helping them access the same extra-curricular opportunities as their better-off peers. (Paragraph 130) Destinations for disadvantaged White pupils
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
87. We recognise the pressures schools have faced and have listened to teachers and parents. This Government has announced the biggest funding boost for schools in a decade, which will give every school more money for every child. As a result, funding is increasing by £7.1 billion between 2019-20 and 2022-23, taking total funding next year to over £52bn. Schools continue to be able to access existing support for financial issues, including a wide range of school resource management tools, and, in serious circumstances, additional funding or advances from local authorities for maintained schools, or ESFA for academy trusts. 88. Total Pupil Premium funding has increased to more than £2.5bn this year. The Education Endowment Foundation’s Guide to the Pupil Premium advises school leaders on the most effective, proven approaches for accelerating their pupils’ progress. There are many excellent examples of schools using their Pupil Premium money effectively to close the attainment gap between children from deprived backgrounds and their counterparts. Most schools will include enrichment and extra-curricular activities within their strategy. 89. We have amended Pupil Premium conditions of grant for the 2021/22 academic year, to require all schools to use their funding on evidence-based approaches, to maximise the benefits of the Pupil Premium for their disadvantaged pupils. Schools will also be required to publish an online statement, using a new standardised template, which requires them to outline the evidence-based rationale for their spending decisions across the Pupil Premium, and the recovery premium. 90. Highly effective, proven practice that helps pupils catch up is needed now more than ever. It is important that all schools decide how to use their funding drawing on the best available research evidence such as that provided by Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). The Department is constantly working to review how we can support and encourage schools to do this to best effect.