Disability Access Fund

Find the definition of terminology used in the Disability Access Fund.

Access

With reference to the DAF access refers to:

• the means or opportunity to enter the provision of space where early education is to take place, this includes either domestic or non-domestic premises
• the means or opportunity to engage with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with reference to the seven areas of learning and development welfare requirements

Making reasonable adjustments can have a demonstrable impact on reducing disadvantage therefore enabling children to enjoy, achieve and participate in their early education.

Reasonable adjustments

Making reasonable adjustments comprises of 3 elements:

1. provision, criteria and practices
2. auxiliary aids and services
3. physical features

Disability

A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities (the Equality Act 2010).

The definition of disability may be wider than our assumptions. It is also worthy to note that not all children with a disability have special educational needs.

Eligibility

Settings are invited to apply for DAF for early years funded children and will be eligible providing they meet the following criteria:

• the child is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• the child receives funded early education. However, the child does not have to take up their full entitlement