AM WELCOMES FUNDING BOOST FOR DISADVANTAGED PUPILS

Disadvantaged pupils in Neath Port Talbot schools are to receive a £1,799,100 funding boost thanks to the Welsh Labour Government. David Rees AM welcomed the £32.4m a year Pupil Deprivation Grant for Wales and urged schools to make sure the extra money would be used to help those less-well off children.
Schools have the flexibility on how to spend the extra pupil deprivation funding. Each school will receive an allocation according to the number of pupils aged between 5 and 15 who are eligible for free school meals which will equate to an additional £450 per eligible pupil.

David Rees AM said:
“The Pupil Deprivation Grant is a great way of supporting pupils in our schools. Unfortunately, Britain has one of the widest and most entrenched education attainment gaps between poor and wealthier children in Europe. Having worked in education for many years I have seen first-hand the talent, drive and ability of our children. It’s vital that they can reach their full potential, regardless of background.
I look forward to working closely with schools to make sure this funding makes a real difference.”

Welsh Labour’s First Minister Carwyn Jones said:
“This new money is a major boost for our schools and has one clear aim – to reduce the link between deprivation and educational attainment. The Welsh Government is taking practical action to deliver better educational opportunities for our most disadvantaged children.”