PDG Statement 2024-25

PUPIL DEVELOPMENT GRANT STRATEGY STATEMENT

The purpose of the Pupil Development Grant (PDG) is to improve outcomes for learners eligible for free school meals (eFSM). It is intended to overcome the additional barriers that prevent learners from disadvantaged backgrounds achieving their full potential. At Porthcawl Comprehensive School, our plan for using the PDG is integrated into, and aligned with, our School Improvement Plan (SIP), drawing on best practice, well-evidenced interventions and forming part of a whole-school strategy. We use the PDG in order to narrow the gap in both attainment and achievement for this targeted group. We fund a number of approaches aimed at supporting and enhancing wellbeing as well as academic knowledge and skill. We track pupil progress regularly, and ensure that high quality teaching and learning is in place every day. Our approaches range from the employment of specialist staff, bespoke provision and additional intervention. Other approaches are targeted and specific, and aimed at removing barriers to learning that social context and poverty can lead to.
The school undertakes the following activities in order to support pupils facing the challenges of poverty and deprivation:

– Support in literacy and numeracy via additional teaching and programmes
– Learner support via withdrawal and/or small groups
– Bespoke curriculum to improve the provision for learners and the engagement of learners
– Increased emotional/wellbeing support
– Additional staff to provide emotional and learning support
– Wider support for families and learners
– Monitoring & tracking of pupils
– Small group intervention activities
– Bespoke learning experiences designed to engage

The school’s PDG Plan is scrutinised by the Governing Body and monitored by the Local Authority and Central South Consortium Improvement Partner.

2024 2025 PDG School Statement & Summary Evaluation