Research School Network: Blog: Mind the gap As schools with a higher number of disadvantaged pupils, we need to consider our pupil premium and catch-up strategies

When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a historic shutdown of schools in the spring we could not have possibly foreseen that nearly a year later we would be within a second national school lockdown. Even with the vaccination on the horizon for many educators we realise that schools may not return to normal for some time.

There has been much reporting within the press of the impact of school closure on both the well-being of our pupils as well as the impact on their education and this generations life chances.

Schools have worked tirelessly to improve on their remote learning offers and to ensure that the pupils who are at home have a well sequenced and planned curriculum. We are all aware of the reality that this can never be the same experience that pupils would have within schools and look forward to seeing all our pupils safely return.

School leaders and teachers are now beginning to consider their approach to the curriculum when schools fully re-open and how to plan their ​‘bridging curriculum’. The approach to this has become more complex since the first school lockdown as schools need to consider the range of learning pupils have been engaged with during this time whether they have been in school, fully engaging remotely or no engagement.

For schools with a higher number of disadvantaged pupils we need to consider our pupil premium strategy and our catch-up strategy. The latest findings in the best evidence on impact of school closures on the attainment gap states:

Both the pupil premium and catch-up strategy spend need to be part of the whole school’s strategic planning and response to lost learning during Covid. The tiered model is useful tool to support school leaders in thinking about their priorities and spending. The tiered model focus’ around quality first teaching, targeted academic support and wider strategies.

The guide below features approaches supported by the best available evidence. If you would like further information or access to a free 30 minute webinar around the EEF guide to supporting school planning please contact h.​williamson@​neat.​org.