Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF)

Childcare providers should meet the needs of most children using 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. 

If the child needs more support, a professional can apply. These professionals may include:  

• the early years setting, including childminders
• another professional working with the child or family 

Before you apply

When you apply, you will need to describe and provide evidence of: 

• the nature of the child’s additional needs
• how this need creates a barrier to the child’s inclusion in the setting
• why the setting needs additional funding or staffing to support the child 

When you apply, you will need to include:  

• signed parental consent. This is to show the parent has been involved in decision making and wants the application to go ahead
• The specific interventions needed in the form of a Personal Learning Plan (PLP)
• Reports from the services your child gets which informs the PLP 

You may also need:  

• Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting notes
• Relevant risk assessments and/or a Health Care Plan
• A one page profile or draft profile 

For help before you apply: 

1. read the Early Years SEN inclusion Fund and Disability Access Fund (DAF) guidance and information

2. Watch the SEND and DAF video guide.

3. Read the Tips for providers in completing invoices for SENIF and DAF payments:

Make an application

1. Complete the Early Years SEND Inclusion Fund and Disability Access Fund (DAF) application and review form:

2. Include an invoice for £938 - download and use the Early Years SENIF and DAF invoice template:

3. Provide information on how the support has helped the child’s progress and why they need ongoing support.

4. Email or post the completed form to us at least 2 weeks before the funding ends 

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.