The Early Years Inclusion Fund helps early years providers support the needs of individual children with lower level or emerging special education needs (SEN).
Who the fund is for
The Early Years Inclusion Fund supports children age 9 months to 4 years old who:
- are entitled to free early learning entitlements
- are behind their expected level of development by 6 months plus, in at least 2 areas of learning.
The funding is for use in the setting and will be given to the provider.
The Early Years Inclusion Fund is not for:
- children who are in reception in primary school
- children with more complex needs and those in receipt of an education, health and care plan (EHC plan). They will continue to be eligible for funding from the high needs block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
How much is available
The fund amount available for each financial year is £338,000.
This amount will be reviewed at the end of each financial year.
How the fund is used
The fund is used to support early years education providers with ensuring that children with emerging SEN needs are being supported.
Providers can use the funding flexibly, but do have to demonstrate what they are using the fund for to support these children.