A guide for parents

In mainstream schools, support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is funded through three levels, often called Elements 1, 2 and 3. These levels help schools provide the right support for children with additional needs.

Element 1 – Basic School Funding (Core Funding)

Every child in a mainstream school receives Element 1 funding.
This pays for the day‑to‑day running of the school and general support that all pupils benefit from.

This includes things like:

  • A qualified teacher in every classroom
  • General learning resources
  • The school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)

All schools are expected to use part of this funding to support pupils who may need a little extra help.

Element 2 – SEN Support Funding (Up to £6,000)

Schools receive additional funding, called notional SEN funding, to support children with identified special educational needs.

This helps pay for:

  • Additional intervention groups
  • Extra adult support in class
  • Specialist resources or equipment
  • Staff training

Schools must provide up to £6,000 worth of support for each child who needs it.

Children receiving Element 2 support do not need an EHCP.

Element 3 – High Needs Funding (Top‑Up Funding)

This is sometimes called Top‑Up Funding or High Needs Funding.

Element 3 funding is usually linked to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) because it supports children with more complex needs. The amount provided depends on the child’s individual needs. There are 5 funding bands linked with mainstream education.

Element 3 may be used for:

  • Higher levels of 1:1 support
  • Specialist teaching
  • Therapies (e.g., speech and language, occupational therapy)
  • Specialised equipment or adaptations

In Derbyshire, Inclusion Funding is also part of the support available within Element 3. 

Early Years SEN Inclusion Funding

This provides extra money for nurseries, pre‑schools, and childminders so young children with additional needs can access support early. To learn more about Inclusion Funding, please visit: Early Years SEN Inclusion Funding.

School‑Age Inclusion Funding

Inclusion Funding helps mainstream schools support children who have additional needs but do not have an EHCP. This means children and young people can receive targeted support without needing an EHCP. To learn more, please visit: School‑Age Inclusion Funding

What This Means for Your Family

  • Your child can get SEN support without an EHCP through Elements 1 and 2.
  • If your child needs more support than the school can provide, the school can request Element 3 funding.
  • Funding is there to make sure every child gets the help they need to learn and thrive. 

How EHCP Funding Band Is Decided

For children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the level of Element 3 (High Needs) funding is agreed through a Multi‑Agency Panel.

What is the Multi‑Agency Panel?

The panel is a group of professionals from different services who come together to look carefully at the child or young person’s needs. This includes professionals from:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Social care
  • SEN services
  • Specialist teams

What does the panel do?

The panel reviews:

  • The child or young person’s assessed needs
  • The provision described in the EHCP
  • Any specialist reports (e.g., speech and language, educational psychology)
  • Information from the education setting

Using all this information, the panel decides the funding band that will provide the right level of support. The band is based on the level of provision required, not any diagnoses the child may have.