Pupil Premium is additional government funding to help schools improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. This includes those whose families have faced financial hardship (eligible for free school meals at any point in the last six years) , children who have accessed a social worker or been 'looked after.' At Hobletts Manor Infant & Nursery School, we use the funding to help children overcome barriers to learning, make progress and to participate fully in school life. The funding is allocated to the school; it is not an individual payment to families.
We use Pupil Premium to respond to the needs of our pupils. Support may include:
Our Pupil Premium Strategy explains our planned spending and reviews its impact. The Department for Education asks schools to use evidence-informed approaches that improve pupils’ educational outcomes.
Schools receive Pupil Premium funding for the children of families who qualify for certain benefits or who have qualified in the previous six years. Funding also covers some children who were previously in care. Funding for children currently in local authority care is managed by the local authority.
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, please register if you think your family qualifies for benefits-related free school meals. All children in these year groups receive a free school lunch, but registering can help the school receive additional funding. You can check eligibility and register through Hertfordshire County Council. Please let the school office know if your application is successful or if you would like help with it.
Free school meal eligibility expanded in the 2026–27 academic year. Qualifying for a free meal does not always mean a child generates Pupil Premium funding; the DfE Pupil Premium overview explains the distinction. Families of nursery children can ask the school office about support and the separate eligibility arrangements that may apply to them.