Special educational needs inclusion funding (SENIF)

SEN inclusion funding is available to support children in early years settings as required. This funding can be used for enhancing ratios, accessing training, and purchasing additional resources to enable the child to access their Free Early Educational Entitlement (FEEE).

Use the application button to make your application for SEN inclusion funding or submit a review for SENIF.

Apply for SEN Inclusion Funding

All applications must be submitted via the online portal button above. If you experience difficulties with the application portal, contact us immediately by emailing the Early Years SEN Helpline mailbox.

Special educational needs inclusion funding information
SENIF panel monthApplication deadline dateFeedback date (via email)
March 25 February 2025 1 April 2025
April 1 April 2025 29 April 2025
May 29 April 2025 27 May 2025
June 27 May 2025 24 June 2025
July 1 July 2025 29 July 2025

Early Years SENIF panel does not meet in August. Any applications after 1 July will be considered at the September panel meeting.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered until the following panel.

You must provide a provision map (MS Word, 53KB) to support your applications.

Online consultations

To book SENCo, PSED and Communication consultation, you need to submit your request through the children and families portal.

  1. Click ‘Forms for professionals’
  2. Then choose ‘Request for Consultation with Early Years and Childcare Team’, and complete the form.
  3. Remember Parental consent must be obtained before requesting a consultation by completing the request for consultation form (PDF, 110KB) and attaching to the request.

See SEND toolkit for more guidance.


Page last reviewed: 30 January 2025

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