Course Outline

Section 1 - Understanding Disadvantage

Aim: To explore what disadvantage means and its impact on learning.Making sense of the statutory requirements

• Defining disadvantage (Pupil Premium, socio-economic factors, other vulnerabilities)
• The challenges faced: academic, social, emotional, and cultural barriers
• Key data and evidence (attainment gap, attendance, behaviour, exclusions)
• Voices of disadvantaged pupils – case studies, quotes, or video clips
• Interactive activity: Table discussion – What challenges do disadvantaged pupils face in your school?

Section 2 - Creating an Inclusive School Culture

Aim: To consider whole-school strategies that promote inclusion and equity.

• Leadership and ethos – setting high expectations for all
• Staff training and awareness of unconscious bias
• Building positive relationships and trust with pupils and families
• Importance of attendance, behaviour, and safeguarding systems
• Examples of effective pastoral support models
• Interactive activity: Group reflection – What does an inclusive culture look like in practice?

Section 3 - Effective Teaching & Learning Strategies

Aim: To identify classroom practices that help disadvantaged learners thrive.

• High-quality teaching as the biggest lever
• Scaffolding and adaptive teaching
• Literacy and oracy as gateways to learning
• Effective feedback and metacognition
• Use of data and assessment without lowering expectations
• Leveraging technology and resources wisely
• Interactive activity: Case study analysis – Which strategies would make the most difference in this scenario?

Section 4 - Targeted Intervention & Partnerships

Aim: To explore additional layers of support and collaboration.

• Evidence-based interventions (small-group tutoring, mentoring, enrichment opportunities)
• Using Pupil Premium effectively – accountability and impact evaluation
• Role of external agencies and multi-agency working
• Engaging parents and carers as partners
• Transition support (KS2–KS3, KS4–Post-16)
• Interactive activity: Action planning – What one change will you take back to your setting?

Presenter Profile

Marc Cooper has a background in educational leadership, school improvement, professional development and academic research. He has held senior positions in a number of educational institutions, ranging from schools, MATs and universities. Marc was the Research and Development Lead for the largest MAT in Cornwall (CELT) and currently works with the EEF & Research schools as a Regional Implementation lead. He is also an associate fellow at the International Centre for Education Enhancement, at the University of Bolton, leading and collaborating on their international Laboratory Schools programme.

Feedback from teachers on this course

“Making sure we are meeting the statutory requirements for pupil premium is essential, but this course has given real insight into the depth and rigour required to truly meet the needs of pupils”
Laura Hocking, Assistant Headteacher & Pupil Premium Champion, Brannel School

“Learning how to be judicious in our approach to evidence-based practice within our own context has been enlightening and is already improving our practice.”
Craig Hayes, Executive Headteacher, Newquay Junior Academy

“Critical, purposeful and has absolutely helped us shape a more effective approach to supporting our disadvantaged pupils”
Natalie Simmonds, Headteacher, Lostwitheil Primary

Cost: £150 per delegate

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