Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium – Is Your Child Eligible?
Registering could benefit your child AND our school.
At Whitefield Infant School and Nursery, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive a free school meal through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
However, it is still really important that families who may be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals/Pupil Premium register with Lancashire County Council.
Why should I register?
If your child is eligible, the school receives additional Pupil Premium funding to help us provide the very best education, opportunities and support for our children.
At Whitefield, this additional funding helps us to invest in staffing, interventions, resources and wider opportunities for our children.
Eligible families may also be able to access additional benefits and support, including:
- Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes
- Support towards some educational activities and opportunities
- Other support or reduced costs that may be available through school
- Additional funding coming directly into Whitefield to support children's learning and achievement
Who may be eligible?
From September 2026, all households receiving Universal Credit qualify for free school meals, regardless of household income.
Families receiving certain other qualifying benefits may also be eligible.
Even if your child already receives a free meal because they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, please make sure you register if you think you may qualify.
Registering your eligibility ensures that Whitefield receives the additional funding available to support your child.
How do I apply?
Applications are made directly through Lancashire County Council. It is quick and easy to apply online, and Lancashire County Council will confirm whether you are eligible.
Not sure if you qualify? We would encourage you to apply and let Lancashire County Council check your eligibility.
Apply for Free School Meals through Lancashire County Council
If you need any help completing your application, please speak to the school office. We are always happy to help.
Please register if you are eligible – it benefits your family, your child and our whole school community.
For more information you can contact Lancashire County Council directly:
East Area Education Office
PO Box 100
Pupil Access Team
Lancashire County Council
County Hall
Fishergate Hill
Preston PR1 0LD
Tel: 01254 220747
Pupil Premium Strategy
Pupil Premium is a government initiative that targets additional money to children who need more support in school. The government uses the number of children elligable for pupil premium as an indicator for the level of deprivation that may impact on education.
It should be noted that the strategies facilitated by the introduction of the Pupil Premium are planned for the academic year (Sep-Aug) whereas the allocation is received for a financial year (Apr-March).
We have identified areas where children receiving pupil premium may require additional support.
These include:
1) ‘Narrowing the gap’ for children making below expected or working below age related expectations.
2) Supporting children working above age related expectations to make accelerated progress.
3) Supporting behavioural, social and emotional problems.
4) Identifying and helping families to access agencies outside school which can provide support.
5) Providing financial support to ensure every child has access to educational visits, developing cultural capital.
6) Providing enrichment opportunities within and outside school, developing social capital.