KS3/4 Catch-Up
During the school year 2019-2020 all schools in England were closed, to the majority of students, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this the Government has provided a ‘Catch-Up Premium’ to help students to catch-up on learning that was missed during the school closure. This is especially important for students who are vulnerable or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Schools have been allocated money on a per student basis, with all children being allocated £80; Burntwood School has been allocated £108,000. The money is being paid to school in three payments throughout the year, the first being in the Autumn Term 2020, the second in early 2021 and the final payment in Summer Term 2021.
Schools have been advised by the DFE to use the funding for specific activities to support students to catch up and can use their funding in the best way to suit their circumstances. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has released a guide on the best ways to support students to catch-up. This involves a three tiered approach where high-quality teaching is the most important, followed by targeted academic support and then wider strategies.