Understanding direct payments for early years SEND support can feel like unlocking a new path that gives your family more choice and control. If your child has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), you might be eligible for extra help through your local authority. Direct payments are one way families can access personalised support that truly fits their child’s needs, especially during the early years.
This post isn’t professional advice, but a helpful guide from us at Fun and Play, drawing on what we’ve learned as parents and carers navigating the SEND system.
💡 What are direct payments?
Direct payments are a type of funding from the local authority that can be used to support your child with SEND. Instead of the council arranging the support directly, they give the money to you so that you can arrange the support that works best for your family.
These payments are usually linked to your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and they need to be agreed with your local authority as part of your support plan. The money must be used to meet the needs and outcomes set out in the EHCP.
This can be a great option if your child needs something specific that isn’t already being provided. It gives you flexibility and helps make sure the support fits your child’s individual needs.
🧸 Using direct payments for early years SEND support
If your child already has an EHCP, you can ask the local authority about a personal budget or direct payments. This usually involves a conversation with your EHCP coordinator or worker. The local authority has to agree that direct payments are suitable and that the support plan is clear and accountable.
One of the most common ways to use direct payments is to employ a Personal Assistant (PA) to help support your child. This could be for attending a playgroup, joining a music class, or just having one-to-one help during outings or at home.
For young children with high support needs, a PA can open up opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to access. This can include things like one-to-one support during group activities, help with emotional regulation in public spaces, or simply enabling your child to enjoy the same fun as their peers in a way that is safe and supported.
🎨 Examples of how direct payments can help
Direct payments for early years SEND support can be used in a range of ways, depending on your child’s needs and what the local authority agrees to. For example:
- Employing a PA to support your child during local activities like music or sensory play
- Funding a teaching assistant to enable your child to attend after school or holiday clubs
- Paying for specialist childcare or one-to-one care during family outings
- Supporting access to short breaks, therapies or home-based learning
Some families use direct payments to arrange regular help during school holidays, when support can otherwise drop off. Others might use it for targeted support like speech and language sessions or help with toileting routines while out and about.
It all depends on what your child needs to thrive, and what’s included in the EHCP.
🧾 How to start the process
The starting point is always to make sure your child’s EHCP fully reflects their needs. A well-written EHCP makes it easier to argue for a personal budget and direct payments.
You might want to speak to your nursery SENCO, health visitor, or SEND caseworker. They can help you put together the information needed to apply, and they may already know if direct payments are commonly used in your area.
You’ll also need a support plan that sets out how the money will be used, who it will support, and how you will manage the funds. This sounds daunting, but many families find that once it’s set up, it gives them much more freedom to tailor support.
Charities like Action for Carers or your local SENDIASS can also guide you through the application process and your rights.
💬 Final thoughts
Direct payments for early years SEND support are not always straightforward to access, but they can be worth pursuing if they help your child get the support they need in a way that works for your family.
Having the ability to recruit your own PA or organise the right kind of activity means your child is not missing out on the experiences that help them grow, connect and enjoy being little.
At Fun and Play, we believe every child deserves opportunities to play and thrive, and every parent deserves support in making that happen 💛
🙋♀️ FAQs: direct payments for early years SEND support
What are direct payments?
Direct payments are funds from the local authority that you can use to arrange support for your child, instead of services being provided directly by the council.
Do I need an EHCP to get direct payments?
Yes, direct payments for SEND support are usually linked to an Education, Health and Care Plan.
What can direct payments be used for?
They can be used for support such as Personal Assistants, one-to-one help during activities, access to holiday clubs, specialist childcare, and more — as long as it’s agreed in the EHCP.
Can I use direct payments for my child under five?
Yes, families with children in the early years can use direct payments if the local authority agrees and the support is set out in the child’s EHCP.
Where can I get help with the application?
You can speak to your EHCP coordinator, nursery SENCO, or a local support organisation like SENDIASS or Action for Carers.