Diamond Wood Community Academy

Pupil Premium & Sports Premium

Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium is additional government funding given to schools to help improve education outcomes for disadvantaged children. It allows schools to provide extra support to ensure all pupils have equal opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.

Even though all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 currently receive a free school meal under the Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) scheme, families may still be entitled to additional Pupil Premium funding, which helps both your child and the school.

Mrs Summers, our Executive Headteacher and Pupil Premium Lead, works closely with our team to ensure that this funding makes a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Together, we can give every child the very best start.

Why it matters

For every eligible child registered, our school receives £1,480 per year in additional funding. This money is used to:

• Support children’s learning and development across the curriculum
• Provide extra adult support and small group work
• Fund enrichment activities (e.g. trips, music lessons, clubs)
• Offer emotional and pastoral support
• Help reduce the cost of some after school clubs and experiences

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you receive one of the following:

• Universal Credit (with income under £7,400 per year)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• State Pension Credit (Guarantee element)
• Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit, and with income under £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ (paid for 4 weeks after stopping)

How to apply

Applying is simple, quick, and confidential:

Apply online: Free School Meals Application – Kirklees Council

You’ll usually receive a decision straight away, and if eligible, your child’s school will be informed within 48 hours.

Your information is secure.

All information provided is kept confidential and only used to confirm eligibility. Registering does not affect any other benefits you receive.

If you need help applying, please contact our school office on 01484 325308. We’re happy to support you.

Why we encourage all families to check

Because we are an Infant and Nursery School, the number of children registered for Pupil Premium is often lower than the number actually eligible. This means our school, and our children, may miss out on valuable support.

Please check your eligibility, even if you’re unsure, and help us make sure every child gets the support they deserve.

Click here to view our 2025-2026 Pupil Premium Strategy.

Click here to read our 2024-2025 Pupil Premium Strategy and Impact Report.

Sports Premium

The Sports Premium is additional government funding to help schools improve the quality and breadth of physical education and promote healthy, active lifestyles in primary-aged pupils.

Although children at our academy are still in the early stages of their school journey, we believe that promoting a love of movement and physical confidence is key to lifelong wellbeing.

Mr Mckay, our PE Subject Leader, leads on the Sports Premium. He works closely with the Head of School and all team members to ensure our pupils have access to high-quality physical activity, both in and beyond the classroom.

We use our Sports Premium funding to:

• Enhance the quality of PE teaching through training and resources

• Provide engaging physical activities at playtimes and lunchtimes

• Introduce pupils to a wide range of sports and games

• Encourage participation and enjoyment in physical activity from a young age