The Government introduced a Covid Catch Up fund during Autumn 2020.

Kirkbampton CE Primary School was allocated £2000

In order to use the funds effectively we have used the Education Endowment Foundation guidance, looking at 3 main areas: teaching, targeted academic support and wider strategies. The school also supplemented this amount considerably as it was considered a priority and an important aspect of the School Improvement Plan for 2020/21.

Teaching: A whole school assessment was used in September 2020 as a baseline to underpin whole school teaching as well as using the results to identify gaps in learning
Progress could then be measured by using further assessments.

A whole school text 'Journey' was used on return from the Spring lockdown. It was used to provide not only academic learning, but also emotional literacy and to bring the school together again with a shared focus.

Targeted academic support: Following the assessments, small group interventions were organised for Maths and English. Selected eligible children were also identified to access the National Tutoring Partnership. Each child received 15 hours 1:1 tutoring during the Spring/Summer term.

Wider strategies: A whole school approach to home learning and blended learning was developed. Additional devices were purchased to ensure everyone, especially disadvantaged pupils, have access to necessary technology. £1200

Baseline measuring: £900 cost of GL Assessment tests

We assessed all children when we returned to full opening in the autumn term. GL assessment tests were used and these tests produced a scaled score which could be compared to larger national samples as well as comparing against previous years and across year groups. We were able to compare the results and use these as a baseline to devise a plan of what was needed to accelerate levels of learning that had been lost during the Government forced closure of schools.

HLTA support: £10,000 approx

Additional staff were employed to support pupil progress and provide individual and group support to rapidly accelerate learning and 'fill in gaps' brought about due to disrupted learning

Funding was used to increase the number of devices held in school. New laptops were purchased for teaching staff so they had suitable technology to provide live lessons during lockdown £4000

Impact on spending

All pupils will be reassessed at the end of the school year using the GL assessments. The progress made over the course of the year can be measured along with a comparison with previous years. At this point, we will be able to judge the effectiveness of the methods used to assist catch up and whether the funding has been used effectively.