What the Early Intervention Fund (EIF) is, our EIF guidance, the different fund pathways, and how to apply for each fund.
The Early Intervention Fund (EIF) is a non-statutory funding programme available to mainstream schools.
The EIF provides additional funding to support and strengthen inclusive practice through three different pathways.
Early Intervention Fund guidance
For information on the EIF, read the pdf EIF Tri Pathway guidance(437 KB) .
You can also watch our short video about EIF grant funding process.
The three fund pathways
Pathway 1: Individual pupil application
This provides funding for a named pupil at SEN Support who requires targeted, time-limited support.
Funding available: up to £5,000 per pupil
Funding rounds and closing dates
The closing date for the funding rounds is midnight on:
- 23 October 2026
- 12 February 2027
- 28 May 2027
How to apply
For individual pupil applications, use the SEND Support Tool (SST) to identify needs, plan provision and submit an EIF request.
You''ll need to supply:
- Evidence of Assess-Plan-Do-Review (APDR) cycles
- Whole-school costed provision map
Application guidance documents
Before you apply you should read these guides:
- document EIF individual pupil application form(42 KB) pdf (619 KB)
- pdf SEND Support Summary(619 KB)
- document SEND Support Summary with guidance(618 KB)
- pdf SEND Support Tool Handbook(702 KB)
- pdf Tips for completing the whole school provision map(349 KB)
- document SEND notional budget spending: an A to Z guide(87 KB)
- document Whole school provision OAP template(56 KB)
- spreadsheet Whole school provision OAP Excel template(72 KB)
If you need support using the SEND Support Tool, email: EIF@bristol.gov.uk
Pathway 2: Whole-school grant application
For schools who want to develop and strengthen inclusive practice across their setting. This is suitable for training, resources, interventions and provision development that strengthens Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP).
Funding available: up to £25,000 per school
Funding rounds and closing dates
The closing date for the funding rounds is midnight on:
- 23 October 2026
- 12 February 2027
- 28 May 2027
How to apply
To appply use the document EIF application form.(61 KB)
You'll need to supply a whole-school costed provision map.
Application guidance documents
Before you apply you should read these guides:
- pdf Tips for completing the whole school provision map(349 KB)
- document SEND notional budget spending: an A to Z guide(87 KB)
- document Whole school provision OAP template(56 KB)
- spreadsheet Whole school provision OAP Excel template(72 KB)
Pathway 3: EIF commissioned initiatives
For schools that would like to take part in specific projects funded through the Early Inclusion Fund (EIF).
These initiatives are designed to respond to identified local priorities and provide fully funded opportunities for participating schools. As places may be limited, some initiatives may have selection criteria.
Current opportunity: Elklan Communication Friendly Settings Secondary Pilot
This is a fully funded pilot programme for Bristol mainstream secondary schools.
For more information and to apply, email EIF@bristol.gov.uk
Contact
For any enquiries, contact: EIF@bristol.gov.uk
