Local MP, Stephen
Metcalfe, has welcomed the news that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in
South Basildon and East Thurrock have been allocated £4,853,000 for 2014/15 to
help them achieve their full potential. This is good news for pupils and good
news for their families.
The Pupil Premium is
additional funding given to schools so that they can support their
disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers.
The Government has increased Pupil Premium funding to £1.875 billion in
2013-14, with schools attracting £900 per disadvantaged child, with an
additional payment of £53 for primary-aged pupils. In 2014-15, the funding will
rise to £2.5 billion, with £1,300 for primary-aged pupils, £935 for
secondary-aged pupils and £1,900 for all looked-after children, adopted
children and children with guardians.
In total, pupils in South
Basildon and East Thurrock will have received £12,443,000. Mr Metcalfe commented: “This is
excellent news for disadvantaged pupils and their families in the local area
and will give local schools the support they need to ensure that every child,
regardless of their background, can fulfil their potential.”
“This is further confirmation
that, despite the economic mess that we inherited from Labour, this Government
has found the funds to give support to those who need it most need it.”
