This publication brings together in one document materials, findings from research, approaches and the actions we are taking in partnership with schools to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people. It links with the Inclusion toolkit, Virtual School publications as well as the Covid response documentation including the recovery curriculum.
The aim of this handbook, focuses on supporting schools in identifying the most appropriate and effective ways of using the Pupil Premium to tackle barriers to learning that are having an impact on measurable outcomes as well as pupils’ mental health and wellbeing whilst utilising the curriculum to improve pupils’ cultural capital and life chances.
Our improvement advisors regularly and successfully work with school leaders and governors in developing approaches aimed at breaking the link between deprivation and life chances this is further enhanced with their challenge linked to curriculum and the school’s context. There also needs to be a continued focus on aspects such as cultural capital, inclusion, aspiration, monitoring and accountability.
The intention behind this publication, is to support school leaders in narrowing gaps and to disseminate what works in making a difference. It is our attempt to move this agenda forward in a more systematic and joined up way.
This handbook can be used:
- as a resource for classroom practitioners and leaders of schools, academy trusts and alliances to strengthen activities currently in place to support disadvantaged children and young people
- to support monitoring, tracking and evaluating the use of Pupil Premium impact for senior leaders and governors
- to challenge existing systems and structures to do more in personalising the approach to vulnerabilities and their impact on learning
- as a guide for leaders at all levels
- as a toolkit and collection of monitoring proformas to support school improvement.
