Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF)
This Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF) is for 2- and 3- and 4- year-olds who are taking up their Early Years funded entitlement. This fund is available to ensure the inclusion of children with emerging needs in early education. IMPORTANT: The forms have changed for 2026-2027 - please carefully read the guidance to ensure that you are completing the correct form.
All early years' providers who receive funding for the 2- 3- and 4-year-old early education entitlement are also eligible to receive support from the SENIF.
Please note:
· You must reapply every term for funding to continue.
· Initial applications without parental signature each term will not be accepted.
Please see the downloadable documents in the right sidebar (or below on mobile).
Forms can be signed digitally either on a computer or via a touch screen device using the PDF files. A photograph of a signature can be inserted into the MS word file, or you can print the signature page and send a scan/photograph of the signatures alongside your completed form.
The funding will be allocated on a banded system according to the identified need and supporting evidence provided.
A Review Form application needs to be provided and submitted every term with clear evidence of 'Assess, Plan, Do, Review' and the impact of previous funding.
* Please note:
The ‘Autumn 1’ payment is for children who have attended your establishment in the previous summer term and were already awarded SENIF funding or for children who received a service from either SPF or Portage.
Funding cannot be agreed retrospectively
Under the Equality Act 2010, providers in receipt of Government Funding are expected to make “reasonable adjustments” and not to “treat children less favourably” by reason of disability. There is an expectation that settings are planning for children’s individual needs in line with EYFS requirements.
