Apply for Inclusion Funding for children with high needs

Guidance in completing a request for Inclusion Funding for 2, 3 or 4 year olds with significant special educational needs (top-up funding SEN) in a maintained setting

This support should be for one-to-one or small groups, over and above the norm.

To support your Inclusion Funding SEN application, we need to know:

• why these are considered additional needs,
• why you need a higher staffing ratio to successfully include this child
• how these affect the child in the setting
• what you have done to support the child already
• what you are doing to provide an inclusive setting
• which support agencies are involved with the child

How will this extra help be used for the child? For example, the child may need short periods of time to:

• engage in a physiotherapy programme
• help join in at group time
• work on specific activities recommended by a specialist, e.g. teacher or speech and language therapist (ask for their help here)
• learn how to use a picture exchange system

Include copies of:

• the child’s Individual Education Plan, SEND support plan, EHC support plan
• medical reports
• reports and advice from outside agencies
• your own observations and records

Your area SENCo will advise you. Without this advice the referral cannot be considered.

For proper future planning, please include information about:

• impending school entry
• forthcoming hospital stays
• increases in sessions attended
• any other forthcoming changes

Ensure your information is up to date:

• Keep an open dialogue with parents and carers
• Always discuss all your plans for a child with his/her parent or carer – their consent and support is crucial to your success in including all children in your setting
• Consult and listen to the child’s voice, including their input into the package of support.