SEND funding

Funding is available for early years settings to support children with:

  • special educational needs
  • 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 who get an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are not entitled to SENIF funding. Further details can be found in the Harrow Early Years SENIF guidance 2025-26. 

Apply for SENIF

To apply for Inclusion Funding, Early Years providers must complete the form via the button below

This register must be completed and submitted each term. It should include evidence of the child's progress. The fund is for the setting to support this specific child to access learning/experiences.

Apply for SENIF

To apply for Inclusion Funding, Early Years providers must complete the SENIF Application. This register must be completed and submitted each term. It should include evidence of the child's progress.  

The Impact Statement is used to inform the Local Authority. It shows 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. Settings are 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). See further details at the Disability Access Fund website.  DAF applications can only be made for a child once per financial year. Therefore 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 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 fis@harrow.gov.uk.  

EHCP Funding 

EHCP Funding is allocated from the Local Authority via an EHCP. For further information see SEN Assessment and Review Service.