HOW to close the learning gap between the most disadvantaged school pupils and the rest will be on the agenda when a Government adviser comes to York.

Sir John Dunford, the national Pupil Premium Champion, will lead City of York Council’s inaugural Pupil Premium Conference at the council HQ West Offices on December 9.

Pupil Premium is the extra £900 funding that schools receive from the government per pupil who is classed as ‘disadvantaged’. Schools use the funding to improve the educational achievement of the pupils, reducing the attainment gap between them and their peers.

Sir John will update school leaders and governors in York on the latest government and Ofsted policy around the use of pupil premium as well as looking at examples of excellent practice on the use of pupil premium, with case studies from Millthorpe School and Westfield Primary School.

Jon Stonehouse, director of children’s services, said: “Reducing the attainment gap is a key issue nationally and a key focus in York. As the national Pupil Premium Champion, Sir John has a huge amount of experience in how schools can maximise the impact of their pupil premium funding and I’m delighted that he’s going to share that with local school leaders.”

Cllr Janet Looker, cabinet member for education on York council, said: “Our ambition is for every child to receive the best possible education in York, whatever their background. The pupil premium funding is one of the key ways schools can support this aim and having the national champion leading our inaugural conference is testament to our commitment to delivering great education for all.”

In York, the council is working closely with schools to minimise the attainment gap through their York 300 initiative. Research shows that pupils from poorer families who do not achieve expected levels at a young age are less likely to close the gap later in their education.

The initiative started in January this year with a pilot looking at 350 Year 5 pupils who were most at risk of failing at school.

The conference is open to head teachers, senior leaders and governors who have responsibility for the Pupil Premium. To book a place contact the council’s Workforce Development Unit on 01904 553017, email wdu@york.gov.uk or visit www.yor-ok.org.uk/wdu