Please read the SENIF Guidance 2025 - 2026, BEFORE applying as applications which do not follow the guidance will be returned before consideration at the panel

Applications are open between the following dates

4th September - 24th November 2025 

Applications must be made within these dates to be given funding to cover both the autumn and spring terms. After each closing date applications will be considered for allocation in the following term if funding is still available.

25th November - 2nd February 2026

Final spring term allocation, (mainly for setting that have not previously had EYSENIF)

3rd February - 11th May 2026

Final summer term allocation, (mainly for setting that have not previously had EYSENIF)

Buckinghamshire, like all local authorities, is required to have a Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF) to support children with SEN, who are taking up their funded entitlement. 

In Buckinghamshire we refer to it as Early Years SENIF.

These funds are intended as a contribution towards supporting providers to meet the needs of individual and groups of children with low level and emerging SEND.

The current Education, Health, and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) processes remains for children with higher level and long-term need.

Please note that applications will only be considered if settings:

• Have completed the Early Years Inclusion Fund Evaluation(if they received funding last year). This should demonstrate how the allocated funding has been used to support children with low level and emerging SEND.
• Have up to date information on the SEN Local Offer pages on the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service Website. (Guidance on updating your local offer)
• Can detail how they will use the funding to support children with low level and emerging needs, predominantly through interventions.
• Can detail the support that they are already putting in place for children as part of ordinarily available provision

It is not for individual external assessments of children or for resources that would be considered part of ordinarily available provision. If in doubt, please discuss through an EY SEND consultation or with your key contact.