The deputy prime minister praised two west London schools for helping pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds catch up with their peers as he launched an initiative to help younger students.
The Latimer Alternative Provision Academy in North Kensington was selected as a joint runner-up in the National Pupil Premium Award for Special Schools last Wednesday (25) alongside its sister school, the Bridge Alternative Provision Academy in Fulham.
Both schools provide an education to children from the tri-borough area who would not otherwise receive suitable schooling because of exclusion, illness or other reasons.
The award was given for their Pupil Premium programme which helps children from less well-off families so they can catch up with their classmates.
Nick Clegg, said: “In a modern, fair society I want every child to have the best opportunity to get on in life, regardless of their background. That’s why I introduced the Pupil Premium - extra money for schools to support each student from a disadvantaged background to make sure that they catch up with others in their class.
“The fantastic work of Latimer Academy shows how the Pupil Premium is working. They’ve used the funding to give students healthy breakfasts each morning and an outdoor gym to help them keep fit and stay focused in class. Students have held an exhibition of their art and writing at a commercial gallery to motivate them in their studies.
“The fantastic work of The Bridge Academy shows how the Pupil Premium is working. They’ve used the funding to provide mentoring and holiday revision sessions.”
The deputy prime minister’s praise for the schools came as he launched the Early Years Pupil Premium which will help 36,477 three and four-year-olds across London to prevent them falling behind before they have even started school.
The £10.5 million fund for Londoners will mean 886 eligible Hammersmith and Fulham youngsters will get £267,707, 635 in Kensington and Chelsea will get £191,915 and 1,045 in Westminster will receive £315,651.
Mr Clegg added: “Every child in London deserves the chance to fulfil their potential, and this extra funding is a boost to help our youngest children get on in life and succeed.
“Boys and girls from poorer families have often already fallen nineteen months behind their better off classmates by the time they hang up their coat on the first day of school. Increasing their chances of success has got to be a top priority.”
