Early education funding for children with SEND

Disability Access Fund (DAF)

This fund is for childcare providers (including schools) to claim an extra £910 per financial year for some 2, 3 and 4-year-old children who need extra support to access their free entitlement for 3 - 4 year olds.

To be eligible the child should be getting Disability Living Allowance.

They do not have to take up the full entitlement to be eligible. (Four-year-olds in primary school reception classes are not eligible for DAF funding)

Parents must nominate which provider will receive the funding. Any resources bought will remain the property of the provider. However, if the child is moving to another provider, a transfer of the resources is possible if it helps the child to access the new provision.  Resources can also be used by the parent at home if it is felt that this will benefit the child.

Families should give their childcare provider a copy of their Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award letter and ask their provider to claim DAF for their child. The provider then needs to tick the DAF box on their online 2,3 and 4-year-old funding claim and attach a copy of the DLA award letter (with current dates) to the Live register via the establishment portal.

SEN Inclusion Fund

The SEN Inclusion Fund is available to providers of 2, 3 and 4-year-olds with low-level, emerging SEN needs who get Early Education Funding and are not yet in a reception class. 

Currently, this SEN funding offers providers a contribution of £38.50 per week during school term times (or a stretched offer). This fund is not aimed at children who have higher or more complex needs, such as those who might be getting Disability Living Allowance, nor those who have an Education Health Care Plan (additional funding is available for settings seeking to support these children.)

Early Years Inclusion Support Scheme (EYISS)

This funding will enable disabled children to access play, childcare, and leisure opportunities with other children. The priority for this scheme is to support the disabled children of families on benefits and/or low incomes in accessing short break opportunities in out-of-school activities and/or holiday activities.

It is available for children under five years of age with impairments or emotional, behavioural, or learning difficulties who would otherwise be prevented from participating. The funding is for short-term support, e.g., for a term or during a holiday playscheme.

• Further information on EYISS funding 
• Some 2 year olds are eligible for 15 hours funded early education

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with extra living costs if you have a long-term health condition or disability and struggle with daily tasks or mobility. You can claim PIP regardless of income, savings, or other benefits.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs. It's available if you have a low income, are unemployed, or cannot work.

It has also replaced the following benefits:

• Income Support 
• Housing Benefit 
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:

• is under 16
• has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability 

Help and support 

Oxfordshire Specialist Advice Service (OSAS) 

OSAS offers a phone and email advice service for benefits, money, budgeting, and welfare issues. 

Their team of specialists also provides in-person support for those unable to access help remotely.

Carers benefits

If you are a carer for a disabled child or young person, you may be entitled to certain benefits, such as Carers Allowance or Carers Credit.

Oxfordshire Residents Support Scheme

The Resident Support Scheme helps with short-term essentials like food, energy credits, white goods, furniture, and clothing in emergencies. It's for one-off needs, not ongoing expenses.

Personal budgets

Children and young people with Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans can request a personal budget to achieve the outcomes in their plan, which provides greater control over support services, equipment, and personal care. 

Parents or young people can express interest during the draft EHC Plan process or annual review, and requests are assessed for fairness, resource impact, and existing services.

A Personal Health Budget, planned and agreed with the NHS, is a set amount of money to support health and wellbeing needs. It allows individuals to manage their healthcare, including equipment, treatment, and personal care, in a way that suits them. More information is available from the NHS.

If a child or young person (up to 18 years old) undergoes a social care needs assessment and qualifies for services, they may be eligible for a personal social care budget through direct payments to meet their specific needs.