Posted on 14 April 2014
The Wales Centre for Equity in Education has published a resource, and has arranged a series of accompanying workshops, to help education leaders and practitioners make effective use of the Pupil Deprivation Grant (PDG).
One in three children in Wales live in poverty. There is a strong association between living in poverty and low educational qualifications. The Welsh Government has introduced additional support for schools in the form of the PDG, to address the national priority to tackle poverty and break the link between poverty and low educational attainment.
In 2014-15 the PDG is entering its third year and doubles to £918 per pupil. It is used for supporting pupils who are eligible for free school meals, the key measure of pupil deprivation used by the Welsh Government, and Looked After Children (LAC).
The Wales Centre for Equity in Education has published a document which will help make effective use of the PDG. It will assist schools in deciding which interventions are best for their pupils based on available inspection, evaluation and research evidence.
Drawing upon this evidence it suggests that schools need to take three crucial steps: identify the target group, its characteristics and needs; plan interventions which make the most effective use of resources; monitor and evaluate their impact.
Professor David Egan, Director of the Centre, said: “This resource provides schools and educational leaders with an accessible and evidence-based guide on how to make the most effective use of the Pupil Deprivation Grant. Given the increased focus from Estyn, the Welsh Government and local authorities on the use of this funding, schools are likely to find this an invaluable aid.”
The Centre is also offering a series of half-day workshops to accompany the resource. The aim of the workshop is to equip school leaders with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to develop an effective plan for use of the PDG in their school.
Morning and afternoon sessions are available on:
Friday 9th May, Village Hotel, Cardiff
Monday 12th May, Village Hotel, Cardiff
Thursday 15th May, Imperial Hotel, Llandudno
Tuesday 20th May, Halliwell Centre, Carmarthen
For more information visit www.tsd.ac.uk/wcee