Apply for Early Years PDSS Funding

Use this service to apply for Early Years PDSS funding for a child with emerging or identified special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Before applying, review the eligibility criteria and gather the information needed to complete the application.

This service is for

Private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers who are supporting a child with emerging or identified special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

You should only apply if you have already taken steps to identify and support the child's needs and involved the child's parent or carer.

Eligibility

Before applying, make sure:

  • the child is taking up their funded childcare entitlement
  • the child meets the criteria set out in the SEND funding descriptors
  • the child is known to Schools and Families Specialist Services (SFSS)
  • advice has been sought from specialist professionals, such as an Area SENCO, Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), SFSS or Occupational Therapist
  • the application has been shared with the Area SENCO for your district
  • the child's parent or carer has agreed to the application
  • you can demonstrate parent or carer involvement
  • you have followed the graduated approach set out in the SEND Code of Practice
  • the child has at least one term remaining in an early years setting before leaving for school

You will need

To complete the application, you will need:

  • details of the child and setting
  • information about the child's needs
  • evidence of support already in place
  • details of interventions used
  • information about advice received from specialist professionals
  • evidence of parental involvement and agreement
  • details of the child's funded entitlement

You should not upload additional supporting documents unless specifically requested, as these will not be considered by the panel.

The form will time out after 60 minutes of inactivity, so make sure you have the information ready before you begin.

What will happen next

You will complete an eligibility checklist before starting the application. If the application meets the eligibility criteria, you will be able to continue.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed in line with the Early Years Inclusion Funding process.

Start application

Alternative ways to do this

If you need help completing the application or are unsure whether the child meets the eligibility criteria, speak to your Area SENCO before applying.

You can also review the SEND funding guidance and funding descriptors on the SEND support, early years funding and inclusion page.