Inclusion fund

  1. Overview
  2. Introduction
  3. Eligibility
  4. Value
  5. Types of support available
  6. Criteria
  1. Apply
  2. IF decisions
  3. Payment
  4. Review arrangements
  5. Use of inclusion fund monies

3. Eligibility

All early years providers in Lancashire who are eligible to receive the Early Education Funding (EEF) can apply for additional funding through the Inclusion Fund, for eligible children.

Eligible providers are:

  • Local Authority maintained nursery schools and nursery classes
  • Private
  • Voluntary
  • Independent
  • Childminders

Eligible children are:

  • Children in receipt of early education and childcare funding (9 months / 2year olds / 3-4 year olds)

In line with the Early years entitlements: local authority funding operational guide 2025-26, "As with other elements of early years funding, SENIFs should apply to children attending settings in the relevant local authority area, regardless of where they live." (9.1).

It is expected that any applications for funding would complement the undertaking of any training ordinarily available, for example, via partners in Health (for example specific, individual health care needs such as training in tube feeding or epilepsy management), via EY SENCO Network meetings provided by the Specialist Teaching Service, as well as free e-learning such as that available via Nasen or PDNet.

The Inclusion Fund is not available for building adaptations associated with the child’s admission into an early years setting. Providers who are not or cease to be eligible to receive EEF from the local authority cannot access the Inclusion Fund.

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