Pembroke Dock Community School PDG Statement

The Pupil Development Grant (PDG) is allocated to schools with pupils who come from low-income families and are currently known to be eligible for free school meals (e-FSM) and pupils who have been looked after continuously for more than six months (LAC).

Schools are expected to make the best use of this funding to implement sustainable strategies that will quickly bring about changes for learners eligible for free school meals or who are LAC.

As a school we have agreed the following three steps:

1. to identify the target group of pupils, its characteristics and needs

2. to plan interventions which make the most effective use of resources

3. to monitor and evaluate the impact of resources 

At Pembroke Dock Community School we have a comprehensive plan, agreed and monitored by Pembrokeshire Local Authority and ERW, to promote progress and remove barriers to learning for students eligible for this funding.

We have used the funding available to:

• enhance teaching and learning by providing high quality training to school staff through the Visible Learning Plus programme.This programme is based on evidence from research (John Hattie, also found in Sutton Trust) of what has the biggest impact on teaching and learning.

• provide intervention and support programmes that are proven to have the greatest impact including: Accelerated Literacy, Numicon Intervention Programme, Guided Reading, coaching in small groups by teachers and numerous support programmes and early intervention strategies.

• implement and use data tracking systems to identify learners’ needs, target interventions and monitor impact.

• work in partnership with other schools, the community and other organisations including Springboard and Save the Children (FAST).

• improve attendance of target group by using 8am extra-curricular activities and numerous additional learning needs interventions and programmes of support.

• support learners and their families by offering daily programmes of adult and family learning.

• employing family support officers to work alongside families and pupils.

• providing holiday learning opportunities 

• providing enhanced curriculum opportunities 

• offering a wide range of extra curricular clubs that run in the mornings, lunchtimes and after school.

• purchase additional resources for target group.

• provide a wide range of enrichment activities including visits and visitors.