Making a difference for disadvantaged children: the role of the governors

The educational performance of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in England remains lower than their peers from non-disadvantaged backgrounds. England has a large attainment gap compared to many other developed countries, and studies show it has grown since the start of the pandemic.

In this webinar we’ll be joined by representatives from the National Governance Association and the Child Poverty Action Group to explore what governors can do to ensure pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are supported to achieve in line with their peers.

The first part of the webinar will cover the Pupil Premium. The Pupil Premium is additional funding the school receives to support the attainment of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sam Henson, Director of Policy and Communications at the National Governance Association, will provide an overview of the funding; its core use and what governors should be monitoring and asking to ensure it’s being used effectively.

The second part of the webinar will focus on Child Poverty Actions Group’s Cost of the School Day project. The project aims to support schools to reduce and eliminate cost barriers that can prevent children from disadvantaged backgrounds from fully participating in learning and wider school life. Kate Anstey, project lead, will provide an overview of the project, and look at practical steps governors can take with school leadership teams.