The Disability Access Fund (DAF) provides additional funding to early years providers supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The funding can be used to make reasonable adjustments to the setting, purchase specialist equipment, or access training that will help practitioners meet a child's individual needs.
Eligibility
A child may be eligible for DAF if:
- They are accessing funded early education.
- They are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Children aged under 2, 2, 3 and 4 years can receive DAF where these criteria are met. Children attending Reception classes in maintained schools are not eligible.
Funding
Eligible children attract a payment of £975 per financial year (from 1 April 2026). The funding is paid as a single annual payment to one nominated childcare provider and cannot be split between settings.
If a child attends more than one provider, parents must identify which setting should receive the DAF payment. Once paid, the funding remains with that provider and will not transfer if the child moves to another setting during the same financial year.
How to Apply
Providers should:
- Complete the Disability Access Fund application form.
- Obtain evidence that the child is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), such as a current DWP award letter.
- Upload the application and supporting evidence through the Provider Portal under the Disability Access Funding (DAF) section.
Documents to Download
To apply for DAF, early years providers should log onto the Provider Portal, go to the section entitled Disability Access Funding and attach a completed application form.
