The government COVID-19 catch-up premium has been established to mitigate the effects of the unique disruption caused by coronavirus. The grant will only be available for the 2020-2021 academic year. Schools should use this funding for specific activities to support pupils to catch up for lost teaching time over the previous months. To support schools to make the best use of the funding, the EEF has published a support guide:

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/covid-19-resources/covid-19-support-guide-for-schools/#nav-covid-19-support- guide-for-schools1

A summary of their key areas of best practice is as follows:

Teaching and whole-school strategies
  • High-quality teaching for all
  • Effective diagnostic assessment
  • Supporting remote learning
  • Effective Transition
  • Focusing on professional development
Targeted approaches
  • High-quality one to one and small group tuition
  • Teaching Assistants and targeted support
  • Academic tutoring
  • Planning for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Wider strategies
  • Supporting pupils’ social, emotional and behavioural needs
  • Planning carefully for adopting a Social and Emotional Learning curriculum
  • Communicating with and supporting parents
  • Successful implementation in challenging times

As with all government funding, school leaders and governors must be able to account for how the money is being used. Therefore, the impact and spending strategy for this catch-up premium will be reviewed at the end of 2020-2021 academic year and throughout the 2021-22 academic year. When Ofsted re-commence routine inspections, they will make judgements about the quality of education being provided which will include how you are using the funding to ensure the curriculum has a positive impact on all pupils.

Sharples School Covid Catch Up Funding Strategy Outline – click here.