What is PPP?
The government believes that Head Teachers and school leaders should decide how best to use the PPP, but it should be spent on something that will help raise the child’s level of attainment, so that they don’t fall behind the working levels of their peers who are not in care.
Consideration is given to whether the child is making expected academic progress, particularly in English and Maths. If not, focus should turn to the possible reasons for lack of progress, which may be social, emotional or mental health (SEMH) issues that need to be addressed.
If measures are already in place to address SEMH issues appropriately, consideration should be given to investing in supplementary learning provision. Sometimes, it may help the child to progress further, even if they are making expected progress, and support even more positive educational outcomes.
How much is PPP?
From April 2022, PPP rose to £2,410 per year. The money is sent to the local authority, who pass on £2,100 to the school or academy on a term by term basis once it has been agreed how the money will be used.
£310 per eligible child is pooled by the Leicestershire Virtual School to provide additional support for children whose needs exceed the initial allocated amount.
The DT ensures PPP is being used effectively and that it is linked to PEP targets. It’s usage and impact should be monitored, and discussed and recorded at the PEP meeting.
How can PPP be used?
Some examples:
- Therapeutic input, e.g. play therapy, art therapy, equine therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- Counselling (where there is not and will not be CAMHS involvement)
- 1:1 tuition in an academic area
- Private lessons, particularly where the child can gain accreditation, e.g. music, dance, drama, singing
- Purchase of equipment for the child’s sole use to support learning or development of a skill, e.g. laptop, musical instrument, sports equipment
- Book purchases
- Costs associated with undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh award
- Dyslexia assessment
- Contribution towards costly residential education school trips (if all other educational needs are being met)
What can't PPP be used for?
PPP should not be used to provide provision that would be in place anyway if the child was not in care, e.g. if a child has SEN and is behind age related expectations, would that child have routinely accessed additional input such as attending a small group intervention class if not in care? If so, PPP money should not be allocated for this intervention.
It must not be used on indirect costs such as administrative meeting time or on things that should be funded from elsewhere, e.g. The Fostering Handbook advises that the foster carer’s weekly allowance should cover
- Food including school lunches
- Activities including clubs, hobbies and family days out
- School activities including trips, holidays and associated equipment
- Day to day transport by car or public transport
- Clothing and school uniform