A panel will discuss your application and the evidence you submit. They will determine which band you are allocated to and how much funding you will receive.
The process to secure funding is:
- The setting identifies a child with additional needs.
- The setting contacts a member of your Locality Team to confirm the identification, discuss next steps and ensure that they have the correct evidence.
- The setting applies online for the Early Years Inclusion Fund.
- The application is discussed by the panel who agree the band level (band 1, band 2 or band 3) and funding tier to be awarded.
- Each term you will be required to reapply for the Early Years Inclusion Fund. We will expect a new Individual Education Plan (IEP) to be submitted at this point.
The additional professional support available includes locality teams, early years SEN managers, early years outreach services and early years area SENCO support.
Band 1a and 1b - Universal offer
Band 1a
Children who have just started in the setting and needs some additional resources to settle in.
£350 as a one-off payment.
Evidence required
You must be able to provide evidence:
- that settling in targets have been written
- that initial concerns have been discussed with the parent
Band 1b
Children who are behind their expected level of development by 6 months plus, in at least 2 areas of learning.
£450 per term.
Evidence required
You must be able to provide evidence:
- of assess, plan, do and review in practice (IEPs), with at least one set of reviewed targets
- that the setting SENCO supports the application
- of the early years level that the child is currently working at
Band 2 - Targeted support
Children who are behind their expected level of development by 12 months plus.
£650 per term.
Evidence required
You must be able to provide evidence:
- of assess, plan, do and review in practice (IEPs), with at least 2 sets of reviewed targets
- that the setting SENCO supports the application
- of the early years level that the child is currently working at
- of a professional report from a minimum of one specialist (e.g. paediatrician, speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, portage worker) that shows development delay or additional needs. If a report has not yet been received, we will accept evidence of a referral made to this professional.
Band 3 - Enhanced offer
Children who need above and beyond a universal and targeted offer of support.
£2500 as a one-off payment.
Evidence required
You must be able to provide evidence:
- of assess, plan, do and review in practice (IEPs), we would expect three cycles of reviewed targets
- that the setting SENCO supports the application
- of the early years foundation stage level
- of a professional report from a minimum of one specialist (e.g. paediatrician, speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, portage worker) that shows development delay or additional needs
- of costed provision maps
- of an indication that you think the child might be on a pathway for an Education Health Care plan (EHC plan).
Band 4 - Group banding
A group of no more than 5 children who are up to 12 months delayed in a similar area of learning, for example, communication and language.
£1200 as a one off payment.
Evidence required
You must be able to provide evidence:
- of a group of children identified with similar needs. Targets in IEPs for this group should be similar
- of a costed provision map on how the funding is intended to be spent
- of a group plan with SMART targets
If you have any queries or would like to upload additional documents, please contact inclusionfund@lambeth.gov.uk.