Support for early years private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers

What the funding is for

The Early Years Disability Access Fund (DAF) is funding that supports early years providers to make reasonable adjustments. These adjustments help build a child’s capacity, or benefit all children attending the provider. This might be small adaptations or special equipment that helps a child. 

Early years childcare providers include: 

• childminders 
• nurseries and schools 
• other private, voluntary or independent early years providers 

It’s awarded at a fixed annual rate per child (currently £910) and does not affect any other benefits or funding the parent, carer or child receives. 

Read our Easy Read guide to Early Years Disability Access Fund (DAF):

Who is eligible 

A child may be eligible for support from Early Years DAF if all the following apply. They: 

• receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 
• are entitled to 15 hours per week Free Entitlement to Early Learning (FEEL) 
• use any amount of FEEL – this means they do not have to use the full hours. 

Find out more about Disability Living Allowance for children 

Read our Easy Read guide to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children:

How to apply 

Funding applications must come from the early years childcare provider. 

Before making an application 

Before making an application it’s important to understand that: 

• childcare providers can only apply for Early years DAF for children who meet the eligibility criteria 
• application must be made to the council area where the childcare provider is located, even if the child lives in a different council area 
• if a child attends 2 childcare providers for their free entitlement, the parent or carer must choose which one receives the DAF funding 
• if a child moves childcare provider during the financial year, the funding stays with the original provider - funds cannot be transferred and the new provider cannot apply for DAF for that child in the same year 

Making an application 

The applicant needs to: 

1. Read the Early Years SEN inclusion Fund (SENIF) and Disability Access Fund (DAF) guidance and information:

2. Watch the SENIF and DAF video guide.

3. Download and complete pages 2 to 6 and appendix D of the Early Years SEN Inclusion Fund and Disability Access Fund (DAF) application and review form.

4. Download and sign the parental declaration form and include this with a copy of the child’s DLA award letter in your application.

5. Read the Tips for providers in completing invoices for SENIF and DAF payments.

6. Include an invoice for £910 - download and  use the Early Years SENIF and DAF invoice template.

7. Email the completed form and invoice to early-years-inclusion-fund@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or post it to Early Years funding, SEND Outreach Service, King’s Park Campus, Eltham Palace Road, London SE9 5LX.

What happens next

If we receive a complete application containing all the necessary information and invoice for payment, we’ll notify you as the provider and make the payment direct to you. 

If the application is incomplete or inappropriate, we’ll contact you to let you know. 

Contact us 

If you have any questions, contact us by: 

• email at early-years-inclusion-fund@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 
• post at SEND Outreach Service, King’s Park Campus, Eltham Palace Road, London SE9 5LX 
• telephone on 0208 921 3311