Pupil Premium & Sports Premium
At St Michael’s, we want every child to feel valued, included, and able to succeed.
Through our assessments, observations, and regular conversations with children, we have identified a number of challenges that can affect disadvantaged pupils. We are using these findings to shape the support we provide.
What We Have Noticed
We have noticed some broad, general challenges to achievement amongst our disadvantaged children.
| 1. Sense of Belonging | Some children feel less connected to school life. This can make it harder for them to join in with activities or feel confident in their learning. |
| 2. Attendance | A number of disadvantaged pupils have lower attendance or punctuality. We see this as a sign of wider challenges—not something caused by the child. |
| 3. Language and Vocabulary | Some learners start school with fewer language experiences, which affects reading, writing, and confidence in speaking. |
| 4. Experiences of Shame or Trauma | A small number of children may have experienced difficult events. This can affect confidence, relationships, and readiness to learn. |
| 5. Limited Opportunities | Children’s dreams and expectations are shaped by the world around them. If they have fewer opportunities or experiences, this can affect confidence and future goals. |
What We Aim to Achieve
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Better Language Skills
Children develop stronger vocabulary and speaking skills, especially in the Early Years.
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Higher Attainment
More disadvantaged pupils reach the expected standard by the end of primary school.
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Improved Attendance
All children attend school regularly and arrive on time.
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Greater Participation
More children take part in clubs, sports, and extra-curricular activities.
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Emotionally Safe and Confident Learners
Our shame and trauma-informed approach helps children feel secure, confident, and ready to take learning risks.
How We Support This
Across the school, we focus on:
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Making every child feel safe and welcome
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Providing rich experiences to build vocabulary and background knowledge
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Using adaptive teaching to support every learner
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Strengthening parental engagement
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Promoting positive attendance habits
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Helping children regulate emotions and reduce shame-based behaviours
If you would like more information about how we support children at St Michael’s, or if you would like help accessing support for your child, please speak to your class teacher or a member of the school leadership team. We are always here to help.