Pupil Premium Award Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pupil Premium Award appropriate for our setting or service?
Yes. The Pupil Premium Award is appropriate to use in a range of educational settings where children and young people are eligible for free school meals, or are looked after children, or who are children and young people of armed forces families.

What key aspects are covered by the pupil premium award?
The Pupil Premium Award offers a robust streamlined self-review and evidence gathering framework covering six key aspects that meet government and OFSTED requirements.  These include:

1. Leadership, management and coordination
2. Closing the attainment gap
3. Value for money
4. Empowering pupil voice
5. Sharing good practice
6. Impact

Each aspect has a series of good practice descriptors which enable those leading the pupil premium to gather appropriate evidence to build a portfolio.

What evidence will we need to collect?
You will need to gather a range of evidence to meet all six pupil premium key aspects.  Only one or two pieces of evidence are required per descriptor.  This evidence will highlight significant good practice and can include: photographs; multi-media evidence on a pen-drive, DVD or CD; case studies, key documentation, some of which can be signposted to the school or service website; and data from any key stakeholder surveys.

How long does it take to work towards achieving the award?
There is no imposed set timescale.  The organisation or service decides how long to take in working towards achieving the award.  The process usually takes a year, although it can be tailored to suit the context and circumstances of the setting or service.

Will the award process involve extra work?
No.  Educational Consultancy & Management (ECM) Solutions has ensured the self-evaluation and evidence gathering process is manageable as part of everyday working practice, thereby reducing bureaucracy and keeping paperwork to the minimum.

Will the Pupil Premium Award contribute evidence for external accountability?
Yes. The Pupil Premium Award provides quantitative and qualitative ‘real’ telling evidence on the effectiveness and impact of utilising the pupil premium to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.

What support will an educational setting or service receive throughout the award process?
A consultant from the team will be allocated to you.  They will make an initial visit and undertake an interim review of progress half way through the award process.  You will also have access to ongoing email and telephone support.
An accompanying handbook is due to be published by Routledge early next year.  However, in the interim, organisations will have full access to all the necessary resources, once the initial part-payment has been made.

What does the final external assessment entail?
The external assessment process comprises of an off-site assessment of the Pupil Premium Portfolio of Evidence (of which there should be no more than two folders), followed by an on-site assessment to observe and hear first hand from key stakeholders, about the most successful best practice in the effective use of the pupil premium.

What is the outcome following a successful external assessment?
When all six key aspects of the pupil premium evidence gathering framework have been fully met, a final written report of findings from the external off-site and on-site assessment will be produced.  A Pupil Premium Award glass plaque, framed certificate and a digital logo are awarded.

How long is the Pupil Premium Award valid for?
The Pupil Premium Award is valid for three years, and is renewable after this period for a further three years, following reassessment.

How can an educational setting or service register their interest in the award?
If you wish to register for the Pupil Premium Award please go to the ‘Contact Us’ page on the website and use the secure online enquiry form.  Alternatively you may wish to speak to a consultant direct on
07857 605645.

The recent high level of interest in this new award has resulted in places on the scheme filling up very quickly.  Therefore, to avoid any disappointment, please register as soon as possible.

Educational Consultancy & Management (ECM) Solutions looks forward to hearing from you and working with you in the near future.