SEND funding

Funding is available for early years settings to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Special Educational Need Inclusion Funding (SENIF)

SENIF is available for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds who meet the following criteria:

• They qualify for the 15- or 30-hours universal entitlement
• They have additional needs/emerging Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• They are within private, voluntary and independent settings (PVI's) childminders and school nurseries.

Children in receipt of funds through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are not entitled to this funding. Further details around this funding can be found in the Harrow Early Years SENIF guidance 2024-25.

To apply for Inclusion Funding, Early Years providers must complete the SENIF Application. This register must be completed and submitted each term and should include evidence of the child's progress. The fund must be used by the setting to support this specific child to access learning/experiences.

The Impact Statement is used to inform the Local Authority how the inclusion funding has supported the SEND children within an Early Years setting. This is to be completed every term with the SENIF application. See the SENIF impact statement of spend.

Targeted Block Inclusion Funding

Targeted Block Inclusion Funding may become available at the discretion of the Local Authority and settings will be informed when it is available.

Disability Access Fund (DAF)

The Disability Access Fund is available across all areas of need for 3 or 4-year-olds who receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Further details about this funding can be found on the Disability Access Fund website.  DAF applications can only be made for a child once per financial year, so if a provider missed applying this term, they can always make a claim next term.

Parents or carers will need to advise their Early years setting that they are in receipt of Disability living allowance (DLA). The setting will be required to complete the DAF form and include a copy of the DLA letter. Applications should be sent securely to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

EHCP Funding

EHCP Funding is allocated from the Local Authority via an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Further information can be found on the SEN Assessment and Review Service page.