Ideas for using your SEN Inclusion Funding
The Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF) is designed to help settings include children with additional needs within high‑quality, inclusive early education. Funding should enhance what is already in place through Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) and enable children to access learning alongside their peers.
Here are some effective and impactful ways settings often use their SENIF funding:
- Additional adult support within the learning environment
- Supporting a child to access routines, transitions, and continuous provision
- Modelling communication, language, and social interaction
- Providing in‑the‑moment scaffolding during play (This should complement—not replace—high‑quality teaching.)
- Specialist resources to support access and participation
- Visual timetables, now/next boards, and communication aids
- Sensory tools such as weighted items, fidget resources, or ear defenders
- Adapted seating, step stools, or fine‑motor equipment
- Creating or adapting inclusive learning spaces
- Low‑arousal areas within the classroom
- Sensory‑friendly adjustments (e.g., soft lighting, rugs, partitions)
- Reorganising provision to improve independence and accessibility
- Training and professional development for staff
- Makaton or communication training
- SEND‑specific CPD (e.g., autism, sensory processing, SEMH)
- Coaching or mentoring to strengthen inclusive practice
SENIF Information & Support
SENIF can be accessed for children:
- aged 9 months to 4 years accessing funded early education
- where the setting is providing additional SEN support beyond what is ordinarily available (OAP)
You can now apply for Level 1, 2, or 3 SENIF.
The SENIF Guidance and Information Pack can be found here: [Insert link to EYO]
Submit completed applications to: inclusion.fund@lewisham.gov.uk
For support with the application process, please contact your linked Early Years Quality & Inclusion Adviser or email: tiffany.gordon@lewisham.gov.uk denise.hayes@lewisham.gov.uk