Disability Access Fund (DAF)
Before a provider considers an application to the SEN Inclusion for children aged 3 and 4 years old, they should first determine if the child is eligible for a disability access fund payment. The disability access fund was introduced on 1st April 2017. Its purpose is to support children with SEND, aged 3 and 4 to access their free early education place; it is not payable for children who are aged 4 and in reception. For a provider to qualify for DAF funding in the 2023-2024 financial year:
- the child must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- and be receiving free early education
The DAF payment is a lump sum, annual payment of £800 per eligible child, paid directly to the provider. If the child is accessing more than one setting the parent will nominate the main setting on their parent declaration for early education and childcare form, this will be where the local authority make the DAF payment for the child. This funding cannot be separated and can only go to the nominated setting. When the DAF payment has been made in respect of a child it is not recouped. This applies when a child moves to another provider within the same financial year; in this situation the new setting would not be eligible to receive a DAF payment for the child.
To access the DAF provider must complete the Disability Access Fund Form and provide the first page of the DLA award letter. This should be sent to FIS@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or through the Wizard.
Please see the link to the Disability Access Fund Form below:
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