Schools to get £10.7m pupil premium boost

A LIB-DEM councillor has welcomed increased Government funding for schools that will give Oldham a £10.7 million Christmas present.

The money is an increase in the Pupil Premium funding, which targets extra money at schools depending on the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds they have — with 11,909 pupils expected to be eligible in Oldham.

The Pupil Premium, a policy pushed by the Liberal Democrats in the coalition Government, covers any primary or secondary school pupil that has been registered for free school meals in the past six years.

For 2013-14, the premium will be worth £1.65 billion, or £900 per pupil.

Councillor Diane Williamson, shadow cabinet member for education and safeguarding in Oldham, said: “Liberal Democrats are building a strong economy and fair society where everyone can get ahead.

“To do that we need to make sure that children are not held back by poverty and disadvantage. For too long, social background has been a deciding factor in a child’s chances for the future.

“I am proud that the Liberal Democrats are helping every child in Oldham to reach their full potential. I know that there will be winners and losers but this money does not just help the poorest children, it helps every child. Fewer children falling behind means less disruption in class and a better education for everyone”

Schools Minister David Laws said: “We are already seeing across the country how the Pupil Premium is making a difference to children’s lives.

“Extra tuition, better IT resources and closer work with parents are all examples of how the Pupil Premium is being used to support the most disadvantaged pupils and benefit all their classmates too.

“That’s why I’m so pleased that, next year, we’ll be extending the Pupil Premium to another half a million children, and increasing the money that schools get to £900 per pupil.”