If a child or young person has a severe, complex and enduring special educational need, which is not appropriately met through additional school resources, schools can apply for additional educational needs funding (AEN). This is aimed at pupils where additional cluster or high-level need resources are required to overcome barriers to learning. 

AEN funding is available for Staffordshire children in Staffordshire settings.

The AEN decision making process is governed by the same threshold guidance document  / principles required for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment requests. Therefore, please consider reading the following guidance before making your application for AEN funding: Education Health and Care Needs Assessment: Guidance for Referrers | Staffordshire Connects

Understanding the guidance will support you when making your application. Examples of appropriate evidence you should submit with your application are listed below and further suggestions are detailed in Section F of the AEN form.

 The referral form can be downloaded here:

AEN Referral Form

 Key Considerations for Referrers:

Evidence to support your application should be attached with your application and could include (but not exhaustive): 

• At least 2 cycles of current graduated response
• A costed provision map demonstrating at least 10 hours of targeted support
• Additional supporting evidence from external agencies/recommendations that have been sought and written into graduated response if applicable

More suggestions are detailed in Section F of the form.

Please send the completed form to:  aenspareferrals@staffordshire.gov.uk

What Happens Next?

Schools/Settings will receive an email acknowledgement of receipt of application. We aim to do this within 48 hours.

We will endeavour to communicate AEN decisions with settings within 20 working days from receipt of application.

Please note: you should only complete this form for Staffordshire (resident) pupils attending Staffordshire mainstream or academy schools where the pupil does not have an EHCP in place. Any applications of this kind will be automatically rejected.

Identifier

AEN Form

File Format

Word

Date Published

Updated September 2022