AM Welcomes Funding increase for disadvantaged pupils.

Vaughan Gething AM has welcomed changes to support for the most disadvantaged pupils in Wales.

The Welsh Labour Government have announced  that the Pupil Deprivation Grant will be renamed the Pupil Development Grant (PDG).

The new grant will be extended to help more pupils than its predecessor.

The Welsh Government is to invest over £90m through the Pupil Development Grant over the next financial year to help disadvantaged pupils in Welsh schools.  Making available £12,028,150 for disadvantaged pupils in Cardiff and £3,017,000 for disadvantaged pupils in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The Money available from April will include funding to…

• Double the grant to £600 per eligible child in nursery and reception classes.

• Extending support to all three year old looked after children. The funding can also be used to support previously looked after children who have been adopted.

• Extending the support to pupils whose education happens outside a school setting. Currently only those from pupil referral units received the support.

Vaughan said:  “This money is about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

“The pupil deprivation Grant was already having an impact on breaking the link between poverty and attainment.  It is right however to recognise there is more to do and extend the grant.”

“I welcome the change in name of the grant small but significant change in the name of the grant.  Not only does this reflect the excellent practice that already exists across Wales, but this more positive name will better emphasise learner progression alongside reducing the attainment gap.”