Severe & Complex Accessibility & Resources Funding (SCARF)
(Revised April 2015)
The pre-school Severe and Complex Accessibility Resource Funding (SCARF), is a nonstatutory agreement provided by KCC to enable pre-school children with profound, severe and
complex needs to access additional resource, when attending a Kent setting and living in the
local authority area. This is allocated to children who do not have an Education, Health & Care
Plan/ Statement of Special Educational Need.
Funding for additional resources not available through Treasure Chest may be accessed
through SCARF for Kent children attending a mainstream pre-school setting. For children
requiring specialist equipment requests can be made on the relevant form by NHS
Therapists, directly to the SEN District Lead.
If all support at a local level shows that the child has made little or no progress, a Team
Around the Child (TAC) or equivalent multi-agency meeting may consider that an
Observation and Assessment (O&A) placement at a specialist profound, severe and
complex (PSC) pre-school provision might be appropriate. In this case a request will need to
be made for SCARF.
Wherever possible the child will access a mainstream pre-school setting alongside the O&A
placement. It will be a requirement of the specialist setting to consider what resources/training
and outreach provision to the mainstream nursery is appropriate.
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SCARF Process
It is a requirement of the SCARF process that all settings have a business
e-mail account as a secure email account will be used for all SCARF related
correspondence.
(i.e. nursery@hotmail.co.uk)
Documentation showing that this request has been
discussed and agreed with parents as part of a TAC or
other multi agency meeting.*
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For Specialist
Equipment only
OT/Physio
Specialist Report
Quotation
SCARF Equipment
Request form (See
Appendix 2)
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For additional staffing or placement at a
specialist O&A provision
Evidence of need (e.g. Health reports &
interventions)
Documented educational interventions (e.g.
Portage/Specialist Teacher)
Recorded outcomes of educational
interventions and monitoring of progress
using Best Practice Guidance.
Draft SCARF plan detailing costs.

SEN District Lead will
consider the request
and if agreed the
equipment will be
ordered via SEN with
immediate effect.
Early Years LIFT will consider and
agree an appropriate package of
support. This will take into account
details of the request and factors
such as Portage involvement and
any additional support already
available to the setting. SEN District
Lead will complete the paperwork.
A letter will be sent by SEN to the setting, referrer and the
parents. Outcome sheet will be sent to STLS to finalise the
SCARF Plan.
* (E.g. Joint assessment reports, TAC meeting notes, family plan or multi-agency meeting
record).
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Funding Packages of Support
There will be five levels of support available. Which one is right for the mainstream
setting will be determined following the EY LIFT meeting.
It may be appropriate to provide funding through SCARF to enable the setting to employ an
additional adult. It is expected that an existing member of staff (e.g. SENCo or key worker) will
support the inclusion of a named child or children with special educational needs &/or disability
(SEND). Discussion with the parents or carers will already have taken place at a Team around
the Child or other multi-agency meeting. The package agreement will be completed and
signed at the planning meeting by the mainstream provider and parent and returned to SEN
finance.
The packages equate to:
Package 1 –
Package 2 –
Package 3 –
Package 4 –
Package 5 –
up to £1,500 for 3 terms
up to £2,500 for 3 terms
up to £3,500 for 3 terms
O&A Placement for a year with up to £1,500 for mainstream setting for 3 terms
O&A placement only – this could be agreed for an academic year or the
remainder of one.
There is flexibility around the number of terms agreed at the SCARF meeting and then the
package will be agreed pro rata.
The role and responsibility of the setting SENCo/Key Person once a SCARF package has
been agreed will be to:
 Ensure that the child/children remain the responsibility of the whole setting, and that all
setting staff have an understanding of their needs.
 Observe the child/children and provide support at particular times, to develop their
independence.
 Include the child/children in large groups, smaller groups, and in the delivery of individual
programmes as appropriate, but not provide 1:1 support for long periods or whole sessions.
 Support other staff and children to help the child/children where appropriate.
 Contribute to the review of support via the SCARF Review Plan.
 To arrange / attend training as identified in the SCARF plan.
 Ensure that invoices are sent in arrears to the Finance Officer for funds used.
If children require ongoing 1:1 support to facilitate their inclusion in most activities, or
to provide specific care, then this should be clearly stated in all planning and reviews.
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Specialist equipment
Specialist equipment is recommended through a recent Occupational Therapist’s or
Physiotherapist’s report with a quotation for the purchase of any new equipment not available
through the Community Equipment Store. The SEN District Lead will consider the request. If
agreed the specialist equipment will be ordered by SEN.
Observation & Assessment (O&A) Placement
Special educational needs will usually be addressed by mainstream pre-school settings.
However it is recognised that there may be a need for children to access specialist intervention
by placement at, or outreach arrangements from, a specialist pre-school provision.
The first consideration should be whether the special educational needs of the child could be
met within the mainstream setting with the support of external services.
Clear evidence of all the support that has been provided by the mainstream setting should be
submitted before the Early Years LIFT can conclude that the only course of action is
intervention from a specialist pre-school provision. Specialist provision is funded by the Local
Authority. The Early Years LIFT determines whether the child with PSC needs requires
alternative provision other than a mainstream setting.
The aim of an O&A placement is to help determine the appropriate educational placement for
the child; it does not assume automatic progression to a special school.
The specialist provision should:
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set targets identifying individualised arrangements for learning and teaching
carry out more specialist assessments
provide specialist strategies or resources
provide specialist therapies if appropriate
provide access to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum
monitor and evaluate child’s progress
The above should be shared with the child’s mainstream nursery provision to guide their
practice.
The length of an O&A placement will be determined in relation to the time in the academic year
when it is agreed. A review can be carried out at any time within a 6-term period. If at any
time during the placement it is felt that it is no longer appropriate, the specialist provision in
consultation with the parent/carer, will review the placement.
In exceptional circumstances the Early Years LIFT may need to confirm placement beyond six
terms. They will consider evidence regarding the views of the parent/carer, the child’s progress
and if there is a need for more information or advice.
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Guidance for Accessing Severe and Complex Accessibility &
Resources Funding (SCARF)
Introduction
This guidance regarding evidence for SCARF submissions has been written to support preschool settings to prepare evidence for the Early Years LIFT. The guidance sets out the sort of
evidence which enables the EY LIFT to clearly identify:
Child’s needs and strengths
Child’s progress over time
Interventions the setting has undertaken and their impact
External agency involvement and its impact
Child and parent/carer views
Evidence to support the submission should:
Be related to the Early Years Best Practice Guidance (using the checklists)
Show progress made by the child relating to EYFS over the previous year
Include recent dated assessments
Include the two year check if appropriate
Show what has been provided using a graduated approach
Show a clear understanding of the strengths and needs of the child
Pre-school submissions will include the following evidence:
Portage Profiles &/or reviewed individual planning which identify the rate of progress
over last 12 months.
Evidence of parental views and involvement (minutes of recent meetings).
Views of the child if appropriate.
Copy of Family Plan or minutes of TAC or similar multi-agency discussion showing
clear evidence of multi-agency involvement enclosing appropriate recent
reports/minutes.
For Children in Care, copy of PSP/Care Plans and clear overview of care
arrangements for the child.
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Appendix 1
SCARF Request
Child’s Name:
DoB:
Child’s & Primary
Carer Address:
Setting contact address:
Free for Two funded place:
(please provide evidence)
District:
Setting:
Sessions attended:
Parents/Carer Name & Tel No:
In receipt of
funding through
Continuing
Healthcare Plan?
Yes
No
School & entry date:
Summary of child’s needs, strategies used and progress made:
Set out what further support you require and why:
Request submitted by:
Role:
Setting Signature:
Date:
Parental signature:
Date:
Pre School submissions should include the following and to be brought to the LIFT meeting
Confidential reports should be sent by post not email
Portage Profiles &/or reviewed individual plans which identify the rate of progress over last 12 months
Evidence (e.g. minutes of meetings) of parental views- and child if appropriate
Copy of Family Plan or minutes of TAC or similar multi-agency discussion showing clear evidence of multiagency involvement enclosing appropriate recent reports/minutes of recent meetings
For Children in Care, copy of PSP/Care Plans and clear overview of care arrangements for the child.
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SUPPORT PACKAGE FUNDING AGREEMENT
Severe & Complex Accessibility& Resources Funding
To be completed by the SEN District Lead
Date of meeting:
District:
Child’s Name:
Address:
Date of birth:
Primary need
(please circle):
Setting:
SLCN
ASD
SEMH
HI
VI
PD
MLD
SLD
PMLD

Package: 1
2 3 4 5 (please circle), has been agreed for ….. terms, pro rata
on attendance, upto £ …….. when a SCARF Review will be carried out, initiated by the
setting.

O&A Placement………………………………… number of hours agreed………..

From term
with a planned review at EY LIFT in term
 Contact details of Finance Officer to whom invoices will need to be sent:Paula Freathy, SEN, Kroner House, Eurogate Business Park, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8XU
Signed
For SEN
Date
Name
Signed
Setting
Date
Name
It is the responsibility of the setting to ensure that there is an up to date enhanced DBS
check for new staff. KCC takes no financial responsibility for contracts made between
settings and their employees.
If the child moves setting it is the responsibility of the setting to inform SEN Finance &
Information Officer and STLS EY Teacher. The funding package will then cease and any
monies paid in advance to the setting will be recouped. Any resources purchased using
SCARF funding will need to be transferred to the new setting.
Funds will NOT be released without a fully completed and signed SCARF Plan detailing
costs. Should any resources be claimed for, proof of purchase will be required.
To be completed by the Mainstream Provider:
Name of practitioner co-ordinating support
for named child:
Name of additional adult: (if appropriate)
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SCARF PLAN
(To be completed by the Setting, Parent/Carer, and Specialist Teacher/Portage in conjunction with the
SCARF Plan Guidance document)
Child’s Name:
DoB:
Setting:
Package agreed by SCARF:
Number of sessions attended:
Date agreed by SCARF:
Review Meeting Date of plan, prior to SCARF
review meeting:
Primary need
(please
circle):
SLCN
ASD
SEMH
HI
VI
PD
Identified outcomes to be achieved
1
2
3
SCARF plan prepared by:
Other professionals involved:
Staffing (outline support for child – attach programme if relevant) :
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MLD
SLD
PMLD
Training (KCC) to be undertaken:
Any additional training cannot be verified by KCC but must be pertinent to the needs of the
child
Resources required (if not available via Treasure Chest). Software cannot be invoiced.
o
o
Gold Membership £162.00 for 12 deliveries and 48 resources
Silver Membership £90.00 for 6 deliveries and 24 resources
Please tick which package you will be subscribing to as part of your SCARF plan (proof of
purchase not required for Treasure Chest Subscription).
Signed Setting:
Date:
Signed Parent/Carer:
Date:
Signed Specialist
Teacher/Portage:
Date:
Setting, parents and Specialist Teacher/Portage to retain a copy each. Original to be sent to
SEN.
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SCARF Plan Review
To be completed by the Mainstream Provider and the Parent/Carer at the end of each
agreed package, including when the child is due to start school.
Date Severe & Complex Accessibility & Resources Funding issued:
Date of Review:
Package 1………2………3……….4……….5 (please circle)
Child’s
Name:
Address:
Setting:
Sessions attended:
Date of birth:
Name of
Additional
Adult (if
appropriate)
Include copy of current SCARF Plan and any previous reviews.
Training attended:
Evaluation of the additional support (detail how the package of support has been used
via the SCARF Plan) this could include; EYFS progress, changes in engagement,
involvement, confidence and skills of staff…….
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Progress achieved towards outcomes:
1
2
3
Parent/carer’s views:
Further training needs:
Other comments:
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Next Steps: (If the funding needs to continue please set out further support and why)
Signed
Parent/Carer
Date
Parent/Carer
Name
Signed
For Setting
Date
For Setting
Name
Signed
Name
Specialist teacher/portage
Date
Specialist teacher/portage
Copy to be kept by setting, parents and STLS / Portage. Original to be sent to SEN.
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Appendix 2
SCARF EQUIPMENT REQUEST
(To be completed by NHS Therapists)
Child’s Name:
Date of request:
Child’s address:
DOB:
Setting:
Equipment request:
Quotation (Please attach):
Setting agreement
I agree to receive and store the equipment requested by the Therapist
Name………………………………………………..
Setting………………………………………………
Signature……………………………………………
I also confirm that the Community Equipment Store has been checked
SIGNATURE:
DESIGNATION:
PLEASE ENSURE A COPY OF THE CHILD’S LATEST PHYSIO / OT
REPORT IS ATTACHED TO THIS FORM
Please send to the SEN District Lead for the equipment to be ordered.
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SCARF OBSERVATION & ASSESSMENT PLACEMENT REVIEW
(To be completed by the Specialist Provider and Parent/Carer or a copy of a recent Nursery Review
can be sent.)
Child’s Name:
DoB:
Specialist Provision:
Date of admission:
Number of sessions attended:
Date agreed by SCARF:
Review date:
The specialist provision should provide information relating to the following:
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targets identifying individualised arrangements for learning and teaching
more specialist assessments
specialist strategies or resources
provide specialist therapies if appropriate
access to the Early Years Foundation Stage
What progress has been made in line with EYFS?
Is there a need for more information or advice about the child?
What are the parents’ views?
Signed Specialist
Provider:
Date:
Signed Parent/Carer:
Date:
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SCARF PLAN GUIDANCE
(To be completed by the Setting, Parent/Carer, Specialist Teacher/Portage)
Please prepare a draft SCARF plan before submitting the request to the EY LIFT meeting for SCARF
funding
Child’s Name:
DoB:
Setting:
Package agreed by SCARF: 1, 2, 3 or 4
Number of sessions attended: how many
sessions the child is attending the setting
Date agreed by SCARF:
Review meeting date: set the date you will meet
again to review the implementation of the plan
prior to resubmitting at the next EY LIFT meeting.
Date the package was agreed.
Primary need
(please circle):
This will be on
the outcome
sheet.
SLCN
ASD
SEMH
HI
VI
PD
MLD
SLD
PMLD
Identified outcomes to be achieved:
The outcomes need to be agreed with the parent and the professionals and will be measurable
with clear impact of what you would expect to see at the review.
For Example:
Appropriate outcome – child x will be able to sit for the whole of snack time in 3 terms time.
Poor outcome – child x will sit down when asked to do so.
Appropriate outcome – x to be able to play for 4 minutes at 3 different activities during each
session
Inappropriate outcome - x to access the full range of activities in the nursery
1
2
3
SCARF plan prepared by:
This should involve the SENCo, Parent and Specialist Teacher as a minimum
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Other professionals involved:
Therapists
Keyworker
Portage
Specialist Nurse Advisor etc
Staffing (outline support for child – attach programme if relevant) :
Speech/ OT/Physio Therapy Programmes to be attached.
Who will be supporting the child individually?
Who much are they paid an hour?
How many hours will they be employed for and how will they be working with the child
(individually, small groups)
e.g. 10 hours with Mrs. B to carry out a speech therapy programme and work to increase
attention @ £6.80 an hour over 3 terms (total of 15 weeks) - £1,020.00
Training (KCC) to be undertaken:
Any additional training cannot be verified by KCC but must be pertinent to the needs of the
child
Outline the training to be undertaken and the training costs
e.g. 2 people to attend ASD training @ £40 each with staff cover for 6 hours @ £6.80 an hour =
£80 &+ £40.80 = £120.80
Resources required: Resources required (if not available via Treasure Chest). Software cannot
be invoiced.
Resources need to be pertinent to the child and can usually be resourced via subscription to
Treasure Chest for the year which is recommended.
o
o
Gold Membership £162.00 for 12 deliveries and 48 resources
Silver Membership £90.00 for 6 deliveries and 24 resources
Other specific resources need to be recommended by therapy staff / Specialist Teacher and
clearly stated here and should be pertinent to the child, not universal items that all settings
should have to meet the needs of all children.
Proof of purchase of these items will be required when submitting your invoice.
iPads and other electronic devises cannot be claimed for.
Everyday consumables, e.g. paper, ink cartridges, etc cannot be claimed for.
All resources individually purchased for the child will need to be transferred with the child,
should they change settings.
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Signed Setting:
Date:
Signed Parent/Carer:
Date:
Signed Specialist
Teacher/Portage:
Date:
Setting, parents and specialist teacher/portage to retain a copy each. Original to be sent to SEN.
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