This episode looks at the principles of effective Pupil Premium work in primary schools, offering practical advice, ideas and guidance. We speak to three schools – in Portsmouth, London and Derby – to find out about their innovations, approaches and their “golden nuggets” of practice.

The discussion touches upon using Family Support Workers and learning mentors, pupil wellbeing, targeted academic support, encouraging talk/conversation, transitions, high expectations, parental engagement, metacognition and more.

We discuss tracking progress, Pupil Premium reporting, how to ensure families take up their entitlement to free school meals, and ideas for ensuring we identify all disadvantaged children.

We ask what the Pupil Premium has achieved in the last 10 years and touch upon the impact of Covid-19.

Hosted by National Leader of Education Helen Frostick, our guests for this discussion are:

  • Ursula Clarke, headteacher, Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, Portsmouth.
  • Jess Hawley, designated senior leader for mental health and Pupil Premium Champion at Markeaton Primary School in Derby.
  • Sabah Malik, deputy headteacher at Yeading Infant School in west London.

You can listen to this episode of the Headteacher Update Podcast above. To hear other Headteacher Update podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'The Headteacher Update Podcast' in your podcast streaming application of choice. Or visit www.headteacher-update.com/knowledge-bank/podcasts/

For details about The Headteacher Update Podcast, or to suggest future topics, email editor Pete Henshaw at pete.henshaw@markallengroup.com