Targeted SEND Funding

Targeted SEND Funding is intended to provide the most appropriate support package for children with special educational needs and disabilities in a range of settings, taking account of parental choice.

The key principles for the funding of higher needs pupils are:

• Funding for high needs provision is to be arranged on an equivalent basis across different types of providers, including maintained or academy schools
• This includes pupils and students with high needs in the school or academy, further education and alternative provision sectors

How to apply for Targeted SEND Funding

To make an application for Targeted SEND Funding, please use the link

Please note the child must be attending a funded place at the time of application.

We recommend that you read the instruction page carefully before you begin to complete the form.

What happens next?

The Early Years Targeted SEND funding Panel meets monthly. They will consider applications from education providers for high needs funding for children without a statement or education, health and care plan (EHCP). Each application is discussed to determine whether the child meets high needs criteria in line with the SEN Ranges descriptors.

e-mail: [email protected]

There are two decisions types:

• the child meets the criteria for high needs funding
• the child does not meet the criteria for high needs funding

Decisions are notified to settings via email, within 10 working days from the panel date.

The decision notification confirms the funding period and the amount to be funded.

Early Years Targeted SEND funding meeting dates 2023 to 2024

All panel decisions will be sent to the email address provided on the application form.

Completed applications can be submitted at any time and will be considered in date order, at the closest panel meeting date with capacity.

Please note that applications must be checked and prepared and that panel members require at least 5 working days to review applications prior to the panel meeting.

Applications submitted close to a panel date will therefore be submitted to the next panel.

Where funding is agreed, it will be payable from the following payment month.

Early Years Targeted SEND funding – review date

Where Early Years Targeted SEND funding is due to cease at the end of a funding block for pupil(s) remaining at the same setting a continuation form will be issued and should be returned.

What happens when pupils move to another setting?

Where pupils move to another setting within their eligibility dates a new funding application must be submitted.

SEND Ranges descriptors – explaining a pupils SEND provision

​The document below fulfils a Department for Education requirement for each local authority to explain the special educational needs provision it expects to be made. It clearly explains the provision for pupils from early years settings and schools and will form part of the Local Offer.

The document should be used as required to inform good practice and support effective provision for pupils with special educational needs.

E-mail: [email protected]

Early Years high needs funding – cross border

The Early Years high needs funding can only be claimed by childcare providers who are located in West Northamptonshire. If you are unsure you can email us at [email protected].

If a child who has a West Northamptonshire postcode but attends a provision that is outside of West Northamptonshire they would need to apply directly to the Local Authority the provision is located in.

Last updated 29 August 2023