Inclusion Funding

Inclusion Funding - Community level

What the funding can support

• Multi-setting projects: Cluster, locality, trust-led initiatives
• Themes: Transition, attendance, family support, or shared development priorities

Not funded:

• Capital works: Any changes to buildings or estates

Who can apply

All levels:

• Eligibility: Mainstream primary or secondary settings in West Northamptonshire

Community level:

• Strategic fit: Focus appears in participating settings’ development/improvement plans
• Scale: Involves more than one setting or has wider community impact (e.g. locality, trust, feeder schools)

How to apply

Submit an overview of the application and an invitation will be sent to the lead to the next decision group asking them to deliver a presentation that includes the following information:

• Background and context
• Supporting data
• Project proposal
• Costings: Including setting contributions
• Intended impact and measures
• Timeline
• How learning will be shared

Submission of grant applications

All grant applications should be submitted to [email protected].

The subject line should state the level of funding being applied for: Individual, Setting or Community.

Any with the application form or any mandatory evidence missing will not proceed to the decision group.

Notification

Decision within one week of the meeting.

If unsuccessful or partially funded

No appeal, but feedback is provided.

Funding agreement

Sign to receive payment; funds are paid in full within 4 weeks of receipt of the signed agreement.

Timeline

If requests exceed available funds

• Evidence of need: Data shows clear demand
• Track record: Previous focus and impact in this area

Decision group membership

Headteachers/deputies/assistant heads/trust leads (e.g. Director of SEND), EPS, STS

Monitoring and sharing learning

Impact reporting:

• Post-intervention measures: Required from each setting; funding can be clawed back if not submitted
• School visits: IIST monitors implementation during link practitioner visits
• Annual feedback: A form is collected for each learner who received IF

Dissemination:

• Annual inclusion conference: Funded projects present learning and impact
• SEND Bulletin and HeadWest: Six-monthly report and case studies
• Dedicated webpage: Overview and directory of successful requests
• SENCO networks: Ongoing sharing of practice

Last updated 12 December 2025