Archived Forums

Our child has just started Primary school so we need to self declare by January so the school gets the money. We have asked questions about the confidentiality of our information and are awaiting replies. If we go ahead, we want to be involved in the decisions but are not sure the school wants to work this way. Our concern is that few other children will get the PP because they are adopted so the school will spend the money on activities that might benefit the majority but are not tailored to our child's needs.

Hello and very warm welcome to the board 'badgerbirds'. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the Pupil Premium and your experience so far. Please 'pop' back and tell us how the conversation has continued with your school. I will feedback your comments and look into the official guidance for you. So watch this space! Maybe this is another topic that can be discussed within the new support groups (commencing in the New Year - see other post) to enable adopters to have a common vision and a real understanding of what adoptees need, and what they are entitled to when approaching schools on the Island? I look forward to hearing from others with their experiences. What has worked for you and your children? Natalie (Adopter Champion, Isle of Wight)

My husband used to be a school Governor and believes that the money has to be shown to benefit children who (in the case) are adopted i.e. sending teachers on course to understand options needs etc. So money is not directly for each individual child unless they need extra support it class/different books etc. We applied in our son's first primary school and assume that they did transfer it when we changed schools as we have told them a couple of times. We have never had any direct information about what they spend the money on. Hope that helps a bit!

Hello, and very warm welcome to you 'clifftop'. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Natalie

Evening all, I hope you are all well. I have located a couple of articles over on the main boards which may answer some questions for you and last link is to the official government guidelines. Enjoy your bedtime reading. Natalie http://www.adoptionuk.org/sites/default/files/documents/PupilPremiumQandA_09-15.pdf http://theadoptionsocial.com/blogless-blogging/helping-our-children-at-school-using-the-pupil-premium-plus/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pupil-premium-information-for-schools-and-alternative-provision-settings

Hi everyone Thanks for your comments. Please do remember to inform your school before January so that they can claim PP. Regarding confidentiality you can photocopy the adoption order and tippex out the more confidential information such as birth mother's details and birth surnames, they just need to know the LA they were adopted from. There does appear to be a great variation in how the money is spent but while not being 'ringfenced' to your child it should benefit them in some way. Each school should have their PP spending on their website which will give you an idea of what they spend it on. Jo Regional Manager SW

Happy New Year to you all. Whilst the Christmas holidays can often be a stressful time, I do hope that you have enjoyed some of the festivities. So now we are back to school, with school stress added to the mix!. How are we all doing? What is working for you and your children and what isn't? I personally want to influence change within the school my children attend. Wiith guidance they have joined Adoption UK and I now would like the teaching staff to attend some adoption training! Any recommendations? What has worked in your schools? I look forward to hearing from you all