All early years providers who are registered to offer the early years funding entitlements can claim on behalf of the child. Early years inclusion funding is there to help providers deliver extra support to children who are displaying emerging additional needs.

The below is applicable to Reading children only; Out of authority children in a Reading setting should refer to the LA to which the child lives.

• 2-year-old children that are in receipt of 2-year-old funded entitlement; funding will be provided for any resources that are required to enable the 2-year-old funded child to access their entitlement at a setting (medical letter required)
• Children who have attended an Early Years Setting for one term, receiving initial SEND support and requires additional support for their SEND needs to be met.
• EYIF panel will consider immediate funding for children that enter setting with diagnosis and evident that support is required to allow them to access early education. This will be exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the panel members with evidence provided.
• Settings can apply for bridging funding to be provided for children undergoing statutory assessment leading to a EHCP on a pro rata basis.
• Settings can apply for more than 2 terms in order to meet the needs of the child however panel would expect an EHC application to be considered at this point.

Settings must complete application forms and must be discussed with and counter-signed by the child’s parent/carer. Applications will then be reviewed at the EYIF Panel and must include sufficient detail to enable the panel members to make informed decisions.

Early Years Inclusion Funding Panel Dates for 2023 – 2024 financial year

Please ensure that the paperwork is submitted to Vicki.Allen@brighterfuturesforchildren.org for the deadline date.

The paperwork will then be shared with panel members ahead of the panel.

Panel will continue to resume as virtual until further notice and you will receive a TEAMs invite to the panel.

Please note if you are submitting a request to continue a child who is already receiving inclusion funding and have not received an Impact Visit – please contact Aimee.Trimmer@brighterfuturesforchildren.org to discuss next steps.

Date of Panel Deadline for paperwork to be submitted:

All applications to be completed via the Early Years SEND Advisory Service and application forms sent to Vicki.Allen@brighterfuturesforchildren.org

Early Years SEND Advisors

Aimee Trimmer – aimee.trimmer@brighterfuturesforchildren.org

Angela Smith - Angela.Smith@brighterfuturesforchildren.org                                                 

Samantha Smith - Samantha.Smith@brighterfuturesforchildren.org

If a family needs further help or support please complete the Children's Single Point of Access

Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage 

Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Early Years: Guide to the 0 to 25 SEND Code of Practice: Advice for early years providers that are funded by the local authority’ (Sept 2014), which outlines statutory duties that relate to early years provision: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/350685/Early_Years_Guide_to_SEND_Code_of_Practice_-_02Sept14.pdf

EY Funding Formula Operational Guide 2023-24

Early years entitlements: local authority funding operational guide 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Impact and Outcomes of the Early Years Inclusion Panel.

Initial observations or conversations with those professionals are carried out prior to panel which also provides an opportunity to explore other interventions, pathways and a support network for the child. The revised Early Years Inclusion process has led to an increase in applications and meeting the commitment of ensuring that children continue to receive the support in their Early Years setting.

2020 = During Covid19 Pandemic and therefore less children were attending Early Years Settings