Disability Access Fund

The Disability Access Fund is available to support access to free early years childcare entitlement for three and four year olds who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

All children should be able to access their free early years entitlement and no child should have their access restricted or denied because of special educational needs or a disability.

This fund is for three and four year olds who are taking up at least some of their free entitlement hours and who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. Four year olds in reception classes are not eligible for the funding.

The purpose of the fund is to support early years providers to make initial reasonable adjustments and build the capacity of their setting to support disabled children.  

Providers will receive £615.00 per year for each child in their setting who is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). 

If your child attends more than one provider you will be asked which setting should receive the annual payment, and if you change provider within the year the new setting will not be able to claim funding until the following year.

The request for a payment from the fund is made by the provider. If your child is eligible, speak to your childcare provider and show them confirmation that your child is receipt of DLA. Your childcare provider will complete the registration form to claim the funding from Blackpool Council. 

If you live outside Blackpool but your child attends a Blackpool nursery or childminder, Blackpool Council will pay the funding for your child.