Support to pupils in the Early Years (0-5) who may have SEND

Children aged 0-5 with SEND may benefit from some additional support from their early years education and childcare provider.

Support should be organised by the provider using their existing provision and resources. They can also use other non-financial support available from external sources.

Disability Access Fund (DAF)

The Disability Access Fund is £800 per year for eligible children aged 3 or 4 years who are accessing their universal free childcare entitlement.  Funding is paid annually as a lump sum. This is paid directly to the childcare provider nominated by the parent or carer. The DAF is not based on an hourly rate and is an additional entitlement payable. Visit GOV.UK website for more information about the Disability Access Fund [External Link].

To be eligible for the DAF, the child must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. Evidence of the allowance is requested by the childcare provider prior to claiming the DAF. The DAF allocations are intended to be used to support the child's needs whilst at the provision.

Early Years SEND Inclusion Fund

A small number of children and young people with SEND in the Early Years may need a higher level of support for ‘lower and emerging needs’. In such cases, the provider can ask for additional financial assistance or funding. This is only if the support cannot be met by their existing resources. The Early Years SEND Inclusion Fund is available to all Sutton Early Years providers. These include:

• Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) Ofsted Registered Childcare Providers

• Schools

This is to support inclusive practice and support the needs of children with an identified or emerging SEND.

SEND Inclusion Funding for 2-Year-Olds (low and emerging needs)

This non-statutory funding is for children aged 2. They must be accessing their free childcare and early education in Sutton and have an identified or emerging SEND need. The fund is currently limited to £30,000 across the Borough.

To access this funding, the early years education provider should contact their Early Years SEND advisor at eysend@cognus.org.uk . In preparation for the autumn term, an application process will take place in the summer term for all Early Year providers.

SEND Inclusion Funding for 3 and 4-Year-Olds (low and emerging needs)

This statutory funding is for children aged 3 and 4. They must be accessing their Free childcare entitlement at a Sutton early years setting and have an identified or emerging SEND need. The fund is a set percentage of the Early Years budget which can change from year to year based on the level of take-up. However, it is currently limited to £160,000 ). 

To access this funding, the early years provider should contact their Early Years SEND advisor at eysend@cognus.org.uk  in the first instance.