PARENTS whose children may be eligible for free school meals are being encouraged to sign up so schools can benefit from the extra money that will bring through the pupil premium.

The much-vaunted pupil premium is designed to provide extra support for deprived pupils but it looks as though some schools may need to use it to cushion against the worst of the cuts.

Schools do not know what their budgets will be next year. County officials are busy number-crunching the various figures in the schools' budget settlements that have just been announced.

A spokesman said: 'The pupil premium will be based on eligibility for free school meals and we are encouraging parents individually and schools to let their families know that signing up for free school meals will not only entitle them to school dinners but also mean their school can receive extra money from the Pupil Premium.'

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