The Government believes that the Pupil Premium, which is additional to main school funding, is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their wealthier peers by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the pupils who need it most.

It is for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium, allocated to schools per FSM pupil, is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility. Schools are free to spend the Pupil Premium as they see fit. However they will be held accountable for how they have used the additional funding to support pupils from low-income families.

Have you checked whether your child is eligible to receive Pupil Premium Funding?

If you feel that your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, it is important to register for their entitlement as soon as possible. The school office is able to provide all the necessary information.

If your child is currently in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and having a school meal through the government's KS1 Free School Meals Entitlement, it is still important to register for the Free School Meals/Pupil Premium benefit if you think your child may be eligible. For more information about eligibility or how to apply please visit the Lancashire County Council website.

For every child registered to receive Free School Meals, the school will receive an additional sum of money to help support children in school, this is called the Pupil Premium Grant. This additional funding begins in the year they are registered and does not end until they finish school here in Year 6.

The school uses this money to provide additional services to support the learning and well being of these children and also increase resources and opportunities for all children with an additional need who attend our school. It also allows the school to ensure all children can access school trips and extra-curricular activities.

• Department for Education Articles and advice for children and young people.