Focused Intervention Funding (FIF)
We're looking forward to seeing all our school SENCo's at the DSPL2 Cluster on:
Thursday 1 October 2026 at 9.30am
(the hour before the Primary/Secondary SENCo Forum).
FIF supports children needing extra help beyond ordinarily available provision but unlikely to require an Education Health and Care Plan.
Please read the FIF Guidance below in attachments where you will also find the FIF application forms (individual and group).
You may also wish to refer to Hertfordshire's Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) document (in attachments) which provides guidance to mainstream nurseries, schools and colleges about adaptations and reasonable adjustments that should be available to every child.
FIF Process
Key DSPL2 dates
FIF Group Application(s) Strand 4(b)- more information
Group Applicaton form (new September 26) download in attachments below
From September 2026 applications can be made for Group Funding. Group funding requires four or more pupils with similar needs and follows the same eligibility criteria as individual funding.
Aim:
- This will be support to help a group of children to successfully access a mainstream curriculum.
Eligibility:
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These children or young people will have similar needs that require provision that is greater than Ordinarily Available Provision but will not need EHCPs. As this HNF we would expect each child to either be on the SEND register or being supported for a SEND/SEMH need.
Access:
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The application must identify a specific intervention that meets the needs of all of the children within the group.
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The intervention must be above Ordinarily Available Provision and adaptive teaching.
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The length of intervention/funding being requested must be identified.
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The application must identify the expected impact for those children accessing the group intervention.
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Parental approval required.
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Applications should be sent to the DSPL manager (DSPL2FIF@peartreespring.herts.sch.uk) who will then share them to the relevant SENCo Cluster. These will be considered by the Cluster and, if successful, then will be forwarded on to the Panel who will communicate the decision to the finance department to enable payment.
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Applications should be on one form for the group, not as individual applications for each child.
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The application will be presented by SENCO at the cluster.
Amount:
- Funding will be £9000 over an academic year. Allocations will be proportionate to the length of the intervention, therefore, if an intervention has a duration of 12 weeks the school will receive £3000.
If a child leaves the school or the authority it will be the responsibility of the school to inform the finance team in the LA.
Early Years Applications
Download the FIF application form below in attachments.
The Early Years Team have produced a 'Frequently asked Questions' document which can be found in the attachments below, as well as the Early Years Website.
The Early Years Team will be mirroring DSPL2's deadlines and panel dates.
Applications should be sent to DSPL2FIF@peartreespring.herts.sch.uk. These will be shared with the Early Years Service and discussed at their Early Years SEND Panel.
Decision letters will be sent via the DSPL2 email address.
Key DSPL2 FIF Dates
Focused Intervention Funding (FIF) Clusters will be held twice a term, an hour before DSPL2's Primary/Secondary SENCo Forums.
Deadlines for applications and Cluster meeting dates/times are shown below.
DSPL2 - North or South Cluster school?
| The Leys (Lead SENCo) | Letchmore Infants | Camps Hill |
| Round Diamond | Moss Bury | St John Henry Newman |
| Giles Infant's | Walkern | Thomas Alleyne |
| Giles Junior | Woolenwick Infants | Barclay |
| Martin's Wood | Woolenwick Junior | Nobel |
| Trotts Hill | Lodge Farm | |
| Almond Hill | St Vincent de Paul |
DSPL2 South Cluster
| Fairlands (Lead SENCo) | Peartree Spring Primary | Aston St Mary's |
| Bedwell | St Margaret Clitherow | Marriotts |
| Broom Barns | Roebuck | Barnwell |
| St Nicholas | Longmeadow | |
| Ashtree | Shephalbury | |
| Featherstone Wood | Knebworth | |
| Benington | All Saints Datchworth |
DSPL2 Applications
- If you wish to submit an application, refer first to the FIF Guidance and then use either the individual form or Group form in attachments. Please ensure you are using the most up to date form.
- Applications should be sent to our dedicated DSPL2 FIF email address: DSPL2FIF@peartreespring.herts.sch.uk by email using a password.