What the funding is for
The Early Years Special Educational Needs (SEND) Inclusion Fund supports a child's identified needs whilst they attend an early years childcare provider.
Early years childcare providers include:
- childminders
- nurseries and schools
- other private, voluntary or independent early years providers
Childcare providers can get funding for:
- adult support for particular times when a child would benefit, for example during lunchtimes or the start and end of a session
- adult support for group or paired based support and interventions
- special equipment or resources
- training such as bespoke training or In-Service Education and Training (INSET), or attendance or cover to attend training
- staff covers for:
- Team Around the Child (TAC) meetings
- time to write referrals
- Education, Health and Care (EHC) requests
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) time
The funding will be paid directly to the childcare provider.
Read our easy read on SENIF:
Who is eligible
A child may be eligible for support from SENIF if all the following apply. They:
- have a lower or emerging SEN needs
- have funded early learning
- attend an early years childcare provider in Royal Greenwich
Children with more complex needs can still access SENIF while their childcare provider gathers supporting evidence of their needs. Read the SENIF Information and Guidance document for more information.
Who is not eligible
Children in reception who are attending school are not eligible.
Once a child has an EHCP, they’re eligible to receive funding through the high needs block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
How to apply
Funding applications must come from:
- an early years childcare provider or
- a professional working with the child or family
Before making an application
Childcare providers should meet the needs of most children from within their own resources. They can do this by tailoring learning for each child and providing support with the usual ratio of staff.
Early years childcare providers should only apply for SENIF if this cannot be achieved.
Making an application
- Read the Early Years SEN inclusion Fund and Disability Access Fund (DAF) guidance and information:
- Watch the SEND and DAF video guide.
- Complete the Early Years SEND Inclusion Fund and Disability Access Fund (DAF) application and review form.
- Read the Tips for providers in completing invoices for SENIF and DAF payments.
- Include an invoice for £938 - download and use the Early Years SENIF and DAF invoice template.
- Provide information on how the support has helped the child’s progress and why they need ongoing support.
- Email the completed form at least 2 weeks before the funding ends to SENIF-DAF@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or post it to Early Years funding, SEND Outreach Services, Discovery School, Battery Road, West Thamesmead, London, SE28 0JN.
We cannot backdate support for late reviews unless you have received written confirmation that a late submission was agreed before the review date.
If the child moves to a different childcare provider, once agreed with SENIF, the new provider takes on responsibility for reviewing funding.
Appealing a decision
Stage 1
If the early years provider, or parent or carer are unhappy with a funding decision, appeal in writing and tell us why.
To appeal, write to the Early Years Inclusion Service Team Leader at the email or postal address below.
The Early Years Inclusion Service Team Leader will review the appeal as well as the information provided in the application.
We’ll give a decision on the appeal within 10 working days of receiving it.
Stage 2
If you’re still unhappy with the decision, write to the SEND Outreach Support Service Manager at the same email or postal address below. They’ll investigate and make a final decision.
Contact us
If there are questions about the funding or want to submit an appeal, contact us by:
- email at SENIF-DAF@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
- post at Early Years funding, SEND Outreach Services, Discovery School, Battery Road, West Thamesmead, London, SE28 0JN
- phone 020 8921 3311
- Provide information on how the support has helped the child’s progress and why they need ongoing support.
- Email the completed form at least 2 weeks before the funding ends to SENIF-DAF@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or post it to Early Years funding, SEND Outreach Services, Discovery School, Battery Road, West Thamesmead, London SE28 0JN.
We cannot backdate support for late reviews unless you have received written confirmation that a late submission was agreed before the review date.
If the child moves to a different childcare provider, the new provider takes on responsibility for reviewing funding.
Appealing a decision
Stage 1
If you or the parent or carer are unhappy with a funding decision, you can submit an appeal in writing and tell us why. You can appeal individually or together.
To appeal, write to the Early Years Inclusion Service Team Leader at the email or postal address below.
The Early Years Inclusion Service Team Leader will review your appeal as well as the information provided in the application or review for
You should receive a decision on your appeal within 10 working days of us receiving it.
Stage 2
If you’re still unhappy with the decision, write to the SEND Outreach Support Service Manager at the same email or postal address below. They’ll investigate and make a final decision.
Contact us
If you have questions about the funding or want to submit an appeal, contact us by:
- email at SENIF-DAF@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
- post at SEND Outreach Services, Discovery School, Battery Road, West Thamesmead, London SE28 0JN
- phone 020 8921 3311