Education Endowment Foundation:Strengthen the link between the Pupil Premium and teaching, says new EEF guide

Strengthen the link between the Pupil Premium and teaching, says new EEF guide

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EEF
EEF
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Schools should strengthen the link between the Pupil Premium and teaching, including through prioritising the recruitment, retention and development of effective teachers, according to a new guide on the Pupil Premium published by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) today.

The guide is published on the same day as a major speech by the Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds. In the speech, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Pupil Premium and emphasised the need to spread what works to schools across the country.

The EEF’s guide to the Pupil Premium aims to support schools in spending their Pupil Premium to maximise the benefit for their students

The report recommends school take a tiered approach to Pupil Premium spending. It recommends that teaching should be the top priority, including professional development, training and support for early career teachers and recruitment and retention.

Targeted support for struggling pupils should also be a key component of an effective Pupil Premium strategy, as well as strategies that relate to non-academic factors including attendance, behaviour and social and emotional support

The report outlines five key principles for Pupil Premium spending, including the importance of evidence and the need to support disadvantaged middle and high attainers

It also includes case studies of inspiring schools, who have used their Pupil Premium to transform outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. For example, Springfield Junior School created additional time and space to prioritise continuing professional development for its teachers and support staff. Last year 90% of their Year 6 Pupil Premium children achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Sir Kevan Collins, chief executive of the Education Endowment Foundation, said: