Identify the challenges facing eligible pupils
Before deciding how to spend your pupil premium, you need to know what's preventing your disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils from achieving their potential.
Use this diagnostic assessment resource (find it at the bottom of the page) developed by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to work out where pupils might need more support.
You'll also want to speak to teachers, support staff, pupils and parents to identify non-academic challenges that negatively impact your pupils' education.
Non-academic challenges might include:
- Attendance and levels of persistent absence
- Behaviour incidences and exclusions
- Wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding concerns
This is explained on page 4 of the DfE's guidance on using the pupil premium.
Find evidence to support your decisions
Looking at this research and talking to other school leaders and relevant staff members will help you identify which activities will be the most