Pupil Premium change will hit disadvantaged children hardest. Call for rethink so they don't fall behind

It's reported that the the Government is to introduce a shift in eligibility dates which will mean that many children will not benefit from pupil premium funding. Newcastle Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Education, Cllr Christine Morrissey, said:

"Once again, disadvantaged school pupils are set to lose out as the Tories prioritise penny pinching over proper support.

"This was raised by the Liberal Democrats weeks ago and Daisy Cooper MP even wrote Gavin Williamson a letter to outline what a serious issue this was.

"It is shocking and disappointing nothing has been done in the meantime.

"By moving the goalposts on the entitlement criteria for the 'Pupil Premium', thousands of children whose parents have become unemployed between October and January will not get the crucial support they need.

"Schools also stand to suffer because of this unnecessary move, forcing an additional financial burden onto them.

"Liberal Democrats introduced the Pupil Premium because we know how vital it is to target support to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers. And it's meant hundreds of thousands of pounds for schools in Newcastle.

"The Conservative Government must urgently rethink this decision or they run the risk of more disadvantaged children falling behind."