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. 

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) 

Early years providers offering funded places for 9 Months +, 2, 3, and 4 year old children can apply for a one-off payment of £938 per eligible child. This funding is available for children who receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and is intended to support their learning and development.

Providers will be able to use the DAF Form to claim to apply for the funding.

EHCP Funding 

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