Early Years Inclusion

Inclusion in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Tower Hamlets is committed to ensuring that all children aged 0–5, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), can access high‑quality, inclusive early education and childcare. As a service, we encourage, support and work alongside providers to help them implement effective inclusive practice, meet their statutory duties, and ensure that every child can participate, learn and thrive.

All Early Education and Childcare (EEC) providers are required to have arrangements in place to:

• identify and support disabled children and those with special educational needs
• promote equality of opportunity for all children
• follow the SEND Code of Practice, Equality Act 2010 and the EYFS Statutory Framework

Early identification and high‑quality provision within settings ensures that most children’s needs are met without the need for more specialist support. A smaller number of children may require additional funding to help them access and participate fully in early education.

Where eligible, the following funding may be available to support children with SEND or emerging developmental delays. This is paid directly to the childcare provider:

Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF)

For children aged 9 months to 4 years accessing any government‑funded early years entitlement.

SENIF supports children with emerging or identified SEND. Funding can be used flexibly, for example to:

• purchase specialist toys/equipment
• make environmental adaptations
• access training
• enhance staffing (but not for 1:1 support)

SENIF is reviewed termly and may continue for up to three terms depending on the child’s needs and progress.

Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are not eligible for SENIF.

Disability Access Fund (DAF)
The Disability Access Fund (DAF) provides support for Early Years providers who care for children receiving Disability Living Allowance. This funding is designed to help children access their Free Entitlement place by enabling settings to make reasonable adjustments to meet the child’s individual needs.

For the DAF declaration form and information sheet please visit- Early Learning and Childcare Funding