Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium is additional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities and to close the gaps between them and their peers.

At St Helens Alternative Provision Service, we are committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Pupil Premium Strategy is designed to address the unique challenges faced by our students, recognizing that their placement at one of our provisions is an intervention, not a destination.

The primary goal of our approach is to support students in reintegrating successfully into mainstream education. We recognize that the majority of our students arrive at St Helens Alternative Provision Service following a period of disrupted education, often characterised by gaps in learning, challenges in self-regulation, and social or emotional difficulties. These barriers to learning can disproportionately affect disadvantaged students, further widening the attainment gap.

To address these challenges, we focus on:

• Academic Progress and Targeted Support: Providing tailored interventions, including literacy and numeracy support, to address gaps in knowledge and ensure students are prepared for reintegration into the mainstream curriculum.

• Self-Regulation and Emotional Wellbeing: Developing bespoke programs to build resilience, self-regulation, and emotional stability, equipping students with the skills to thrive in mainstream school settings.

• Reintegration and Transition: Working collaboratively with mainstream schools, families, and external agencies to create individualized reintegration plans. These plans prioritize smooth transitions and sustained support to ensure long-term success.

• Enrichment and Engagement: Offering opportunities that broaden horizons, foster engagement, and build confidence in areas beyond the classroom, empowering students to see themselves as capable and valued members of their school communities.

Our Pupil Premium funding is carefully allocated to initiatives that directly address these objectives, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential. Through rigorous monitoring, regular review, and collaboration with stakeholders, we aim to close the attainment gap and ensure that St Helens Alternative Provision Service serves as a steppingstone to brighter futures.