Government funding given to schools to support the poorest children is being put to good use, according to a new report.

The cash is worth £900 a year for each pupil eligible for free school meals. Schools can choose how to spend the Pupil Premium, but it must be used to close the gaps in attainment between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.

Ofsted now monitors how the cash is spent when it inspects schools. So far, 46 schools in Bradford have gone through the process.

A report to Bradford Council’s children’s services overview and scrutiny committee says: “Evidence from 46 Ofsted reports in Bradford report that the vast majority of schools make very good use of Pupil Premium, and governing bodies are well informed about how it is spent and the impact it is having on pupil progress.”