Eligibility for Service Pupil Premium deadline reminder

Service Pupil Premium (SPP)

SPP was introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the commitment to delivering the Armed Forces Covenant. SPP enables schools to provide extra, mainly pastoral support for children with parents in the regular Armed Forces. SPP is paid directly to state schools, free schools and academies across England for supporting Service children.

The amount is £300 per child in classes Reception to Year 11.

Who is eligible?

Children of regular Service personnel (PStat Cat 1 and 2 only) who have been recorded as Service children on any January census since 2015 in state schools, free schools and academies in England in years reception to year 11 are eligible for SPP.

Schools can claim SPP for children of regular Service Personnel, for those who have had a Service parent who has died in Service as well as those who have left including through injury for up to a maximum of six years or up to the end of year 11 (whichever comes first).

If a child is not recorded as a Service child whilst the parent is serving, and the Service person has left the Services, schools will not be able to claim SPP.

If a child is home educated, parents agree to take on the financial responsibility and therefore are not eligible for SPP.

The deadline for recording Service children on the next January census is 16 January 2020. Parents are encouraged to inform their child/ren’s school of their Service status ahead of this date to ensure the school can secure SPP funding.

Service Pupil Premium - what you need to know (gov.uk)

DCYP-MOD Service Pupil Premium poster