Disability Access Fund
The Disability Access Fund (DAF) is funding that enables early years providers to support children aged 3 to 4 with disabilities or special educational needs (not 4 year olds in reception). It funds providers to make reasonable adjustments to their settings to support the inclusion and participation of children in OFSTED registered provision. The DAF fund is a lump sum payment of £859.00 per year.
Please refer to the downloads section of this page for guidance notes and the DAF application form.
Early Years Inclusion Fund
Early Education and Childcare Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities places a requirement on local authorities to establish an Early Years SEN Inclusion fund to support 3 and 4 year olds (not those in reception) with emerging SEND. This funding is to enable children to have the opportunity to access an Ofsted registered provision e.g. Maintained nursery classes, PVI’s and childminders and to fully engage with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Disability Access Fund Pathway
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Child must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance and evidence shown to provider. |
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Provider is to complete the application form, in agreement with the parents/carers. |
| Application form is to be submitted to Special Needs Early Years |
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Inclusion Panel to approve application |
| Provider to be informed of funding application. Provider to inform the parents/carers. |
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12 months after first application, if the child is still accessing Universal Entitlement (NEF), the provider can apply for a second allocation. |
| Funding is not transferrable between providers and the provider should evidence the spend of this funding. |
Inclusion Fund Pathway
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Provider to liaise with Special Needs Early Years or Sensory Inclusion Service to decide which funding stream is most appropriate; Inclusion Funding or Specialist Resource Funding. |
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Provider to complete the application form, in agreement with and with the consent of parents/carers |
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Applications for Inclusion Funding or Specialist Resource Funding and supportive information to be submitted to Special Needs Early Years |
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Inclusion Funding Panel meet five times a year |
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Special Needs Early Years to inform provider of panel decision. Provider to inform parents/carers. If the provider does not agree with the panel's decision, they should refer to the appeals procedures. |
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Providers must complete and submit a review form term. |