Pupil Development Grant 2024-25
What is the PDG?
The Pupil Development Grant (PDG) in Welsh schools is a government initiative designed to support disadvantaged learners, primarily those eligible for free school meals (FSM), adopted children, and children in care. The main aim is to help close the attainment gap between these learners and their peers by providing additional funding to schools.
Schools are expected to use the PDG to address barriers to learning, such as improving literacy and numeracy skills, enhancing well-being, and increasing engagement in learning. The funding can be spent on a range of interventions, including targeted teaching support, after-school programs, family engagement activities, and professional development for staff. Schools must demonstrate how the grant has improved outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and ensure it is spent in a way that directly benefits these learners.
For the 2024-25 Academic year, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr has been awarded a Pupils Development Grant of £215,050.
The Plan for 2024-25
Parental Engagement
The Attendance Officer will work closely with parents of students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) to enhance overall attendance, including engagement in school events such as parents' evenings. Regular phone calls will be made to maintain communication, offering support and guidance to help overcome attendance barriers. This role will involve close collaboration with the Head of Year to address pastoral concerns and provide additional support where needed.
Literacy Intervention and learning coach
This is a designated space which provides additional support for pupils who may otherwise experience difficulty achieving their target grades at 16. We have three dedicated learning coaches who will provide support, guidance, mentoring and training to individuals and groups of learners. Interventions and assistance will be bespoke to the individual.
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
The provision allows learners to have access to 5 days a week, furthermore the room is open for drop-ins breaktime and lunchtime. The purpose is to plan and deliver individual (and small group) support programmes. Intended outcome: To help learners recognise, understand and manage emotions to increase success. To develop social and friendship skills.
Trauma Informed Practitioner (TISUK)
The purpose is to: Support learners who have experienced trauma.
Intended outcome: To successfully access an education through the regulation of emotions and to feel safe within the school environment. Furthermore, build positive relationships with staff and peers.
Behaviour Centre
Bro Dinefwr’s behaviour and wellbeing support provision. Behaviour and wellbeing lessons are held in the provision along with facilitating bespoke timetables for learners with targeted interventions for FSM (disadvantaged learners).
Natur
Outdoor learning offers significant benefits for FSM (Free School Meals) pupils. It provides an engaging and stimulating environment that can boost motivation and enthusiasm for learning, especially for those who may struggle in traditional classroom settings. Outdoor activities promote physical health, well-being, and social skills, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. For FSM pupils, who may face additional barriers to learning, nature-based lessons can foster a sense of inclusion and build self-confidence. Furthermore, hands-on, experiential learning outdoors encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, contributing to closing the attainment gap and supporting a more equitable educational experience.