Disability Access Fund (DAF)

From April 2017 the Disability Access Fund (DAF) came into effect. 

Next review date March 2024

What is the Disability Access Fund?

The Disability Access Fund is additional funding available for three- and four-year olds who are accessing their free early years funding entitlement and are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. Funding is available at the start of the term following a child’s third birthday.

How much funding will each child receive if eligible?

It is equivalent to £828 (from April 2023) per child per year and is paid to the registered Childcare Provider where the child attends to help support access to the free funding entitlements. Click here to view the Guidance Document  for further information.

What happens if the child is attending two different settings?

If the child is claiming free early years funding from two different providers, then the parent/carer needs to decide which setting will be allocated the DAF.

Do I need to complete a form to access the DAF?

Parents need to complete a simple form supplied by their chosen childcare provider and provide a copy of their DLA entitlement letter. The childcare provider will return the form and the evidence to the Early Years Service at Brighter Futures for Children.  

Click here to view the application form.

What if a child is attending a setting in a different Local Authority to that in which they live?

If a child lives in one local authority area but attends a setting in another local authority, the local authority where the setting is based is responsible for funding the DAF for the child and eligibility checking. 

What if a child moves to another childcare provider half way through the year?

If the child moves settings half way through the year, the funding will stay with the current setting, it is not transferable and does not follow the child. The new setting is not eligible to receive DAF funding until the anniversary of the first payment has passed.

Who should I contact if I have a question about the DAF?

If you would like to find out more or have any questions, please contact the Early Years Team - early.years@brighterfuturesforchildren.org 

Related Advice

Early Years Team Supporting SEND Early Years Inclusion Funding

Page last reviewed: 04/04/2023

Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

SEND Local Offer

localoffer@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

Adult & Carers Support

CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
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