Update on the review of the Early Years Inclusion Resource Panel (EYIP) Funding
OFFICIAL
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
You will recall that over recent months we have shared with you at SENCo and Leaders and Managers briefings a number of changes that are planned both nationally and locally regarding Early Years funding. This includes changes to funding for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The key message nationally is that from April 2017 two new measures are being introduced to support children with SEND:
Disability Access Fund (DAF)
SEN Inclusion Fund
The Disability Access Fund (DAF) is a one off payment of £615 available to settings for funded 3 and 4 year olds who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). You should have received communication about eligibility and how to claim a DAF but if you have any further queries about the DAF funding please e-mail . More information can also be found on:
In addition to the DAF there is also a requirement for all local authorities to establish an SEN inclusion fund in their local funding systems for 3 and 4 year olds with SEN, taking the free entitlement. The guidance suggests that the SEN inclusion fund should be allocated to settings in the form of top up grants on a case by case basis.
Prior to the national changes being announced, in Plymouth we had already agreed that there was a need to review the Early Years Inclusion Resource Panel (EYIRP) and a working party had been convened including representatives from both maintained and non maintained settings. The new guidance is in line with what Plymouth currently offers through the EYIRP process, so the ongoing review is particularly timely. At this stage no decision has been made about whether the name of the panel needs to be changed.
Changes agreed so far have been that the panel now meets 6 times a year with a 6 week window after panel before funding starts or ceases. Secondly if you feel funding needs to continue after the cease date, you will need to submit a new application to the panel prior to the cease date.
As discussed with you we are moving towards allocating “cluster” funding for 3 and 4 year olds with SEND who you identify as requiring an additional an resource rather than specific hours for individual children. This is a smarter way of allocating funding but also gives settings the flexibility to utilise the resource as you feel most appropriate to meet the needs of the children with SEND.
Therefore for many of you, you will notice that as a result of the most recent panel we have allocated you a number of hours but not specifically linked to individual children; it is for you to decide how to use the funding. If you are also receiving DAF funding, this should also be considered as part of your planning. As you are aware research shows that wherever possible it is more beneficial for children to be supported through a whole setting approach rather than having 1-1 support from anindividual person. We do however recognise that for some children and in certain situations 1-1 support may be necessary.
We are also looking at streamlining the way we make payments from the EYIRP so that rather than the current process of PVI settings having to make a claim for payment retrospectively, we plan to pay all settings the amount allocated at EYIRP on a termly basis alongside your other EY payments. Please note however that this will only start from 1st April and although it will include funding allocated at the most recent panel (25th March) claims (for PVI settings) will still need to be made for allocations prior to this. (Please can you do this as soon as possible).
The last couple of things being reviewed are the paperwork and the panel itself. A draft version of the application form will be made available to you after the Easter holidays and we would like your feedback. We also plan to bring together a group of parents for consultation.
The new funding will start in April but the plan is that everything else will be agreed and in place by September 2017.
You will notice that this new information relates to funded children aged 3 and 4 with SEND. We are however aware that you may have children under 3 with additional needs and we are continuing to explore what this will look like for them. I will keep you updated on developments but in the meantime if you have children under 3 who have received support from the EYIRP I will contact you separately to explain what will happen during the transition process.
Thank you for your feedback and support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or queries.
Penny Whitell - Early Years Inclusion Service Manager
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