Early years provision

What is SENIF?

Special Educational Needs Inclusion Funding, or SENIF, is additional money that early years settings and schools can apply for to help support young children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). The idea is to help these children take part in nursery or preschool life more fully, by funding things like extra staff time, specialist training, or specific activities tailored to the child’s needs.

It’s available for children who get funded early education hours (either the universal offer or the working parents entitlement) and who need more support than what’s usually provided.

Which Children Are Eligible for SENIF?

Not every child with additional needs will need SENIF. Most nurseries and pre-schools can support children well using their own resources. But SENIF is there for children who:

• Have significant delays in two or more areas of development.
• Have a major delay in one area that’s really affecting their learning.
• Do not already have a completed Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
• Attend a setting based in Stoke-on-Trent (even if they live elsewhere).
• Are nursery aged or younger if attending a school-based provision or under 5 if attending a PVI setting.

There are three tiers of funding based on the child’s age and development:

• Tier 1: No extra funding - child is developing within expected ranges.
• Tier 2: £450 per term - child has moderate delays.
• Tier 3: £900 per term - child has more significant delays.

Please note that these amounts are based on a child attending for 15 funded hours and will be calculated on a pro-rata basis. Detailed criteria can be found in the SEN Inclusion Funding Guidance Document.

How to apply for SENIF?

Before applying, settings need to show they’ve already tried supporting the child using the Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle. At least one cycle should be completed, unless the child has very high needs and is just starting at the setting.

Forms are colour-coded to make things easier:

• Apricot: Individual child application
• Green: Group application (4+ children with similar needs)
• Mauve: Medical needs (9–23 months)
• Silver: SHINE settings
• Red: Review form (for continuing funding after the initial term)

What you’ll need to send:

• Completed form (electronically)
• Latest SEN Support Plan or IEP
• Risk assessment (if applicable)
• Health care plan (if applicable)
• Signed parental consent

Send everything to: eyils.sp@stoke.gov.uk

Deadlines:

• Autumn Term: 24 Oct 2025
• Spring Term: 13 Feb 2026
• Summer Term: 22 May 2026

After applying:

• You’ll get an email with the decision. If approved, funding is sent to the setting.
• You’ll need to submit a Red Form each term to review and continue funding.

Important reminders:

• Keep receipts and records - the council may audit
• Let EYIS know if the child’s attendance changes or if they leave the setting.

For detailed information on SENIF please see the SEN Inclusion Funding Guidance Document.

Disability Access Funding (DAF)

Disability Access Funding (DAF) is extra support available for early years settings in Stoke-on-Trent to help children with disabilities get the most out of their nursery experience. If a child is 3 or 4 years old, gets Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and is using their free early education hours, the setting or school-based provision can apply for a one-off payment to help make things more accessible. For 2025/26 the DAF payment is set at £938 per eligible child.

This funding could go towards resources or equipment that helps the child feel included and supported. Parents should be involved in planning how to use the Disability Access Funding most effectively, for example by suggesting resources such as sensory toys that their child may be interested in. Where a child is attending 2 or more settings, the setting where the child spends the most time should apply for DAF.

The application is simple and done through the local authority’s online funding portal, with proof of DLA needed. Children who are eligible for DAF may also benefit from SEN Inclusion Funding (SENIF).