Additional childcare funding for children with SEND
Free childcare
Free childcare support is now available to eligible working parents of children from the age of 9 months old.
All 3 to 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded nursery provision.
How to apply
Parents should apply using this link Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK.
More information about free childcare can be found at: Families Information l Help with childcare costs
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Disability Access Fund (DAF)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
You may be eligible for funding to support your child’s needs at home through the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The DLA is available to support families with the extra costs of looking after a child who:
- is under 16
- has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children - GOV.UK has further information including eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Disability Access Fund (DAF)
Once your child is receiving DLA, your childcare provider can claim Disability Access Funding (DAF). This funding supports children with SEND. It helps your child’s setting to make reasonable adjustments to meet your child’s needs. It can be used to provide your child with additional resources or for staffing costs to allow your child to be supported on a one-to-one basis at key times in their day.
For further details, please visit: Families Information | Disability Access Fund (DAF)
Early Years Pupil Premium
Your childcare provider can apply for early years pupil premium if your child is aged between 9 months and 4 years old. Early Years Pupil Premium helps you to receive free entitlement funded childcare.
You must also meet one of the other eligibility criteria.
Get extra funding for your early years provider - GOV.UK provides further information on this funding.
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) provides additional information about this funding.
SEND Inclusion Funding (SENIF)
The Early Years SEND Inclusion Funding (SENIF) is available and can be applied for by your child’s setting, with your consent. This funding is for a year - the setting can reapply the following year if necessary. It should be used alongside other funding options in this section.
This funding will end if your child receives an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP).
Early Years’ SEND Inclusion Funding (SENIF) Guidance.
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) funding
When your child has a final EHCP in place, your child’s setting will receive funding. This should be used to enable your child to meet the outcomes identified and agreed in the EHCP.
The funding will remain in place until the EHCP is no longer required or until your child leaves the setting.