Element 3 funding update
On this page
As the new academic year starts, we're updating our guidance for Element 3 funding and reminding you how it will work this year. We're also providing some answers to some of the questions we've most frequently been asked in recent months about issues including what happens if a child leaves or joins your school during the year and how to answer queries from parents about funding.
From September 2025, Norfolk is implementing the new Element 3 funding model to support children and young people with high-level special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as previously communicated during the academic year 24/25.
Full guidance is available at Element 3 funding.
Element 3 funding allocations
All schools have now received confirmation of formulaic and cohort-based Element 3 funding allocations for autumn 2025 and spring 2026
Cohort allocations have been determined using child and setting contextual information provided by schools via:
- Identification of Needs in Educational Settings (INDES)
- Graduated Provision Map (GPM),
- Inclusion and Provision SEF (IPSEF)
Thank you to all schools for continuing to share this information; continuing to share your information with us enables:
- Schools to be adequately and appropriately funded to meet the needs of children with high-level SEND.
- Shape the LA's support offer, including training, professional development, and on-demand resources.
- Schools and the LA to respond effectively to the evolving needs of children, young people, and education settings across Norfolk.
The LA remains committed to working in partnership with our schools to support them to embed inclusive, high-quality provision, enabling all our Norfolk children and young people to Flourish.
Key principles of the revised Element 3 model
Norfolk's updated approach to Element 3 funding is built on the following principles:
- Funding is applied fairly and transparently across the county
- Decisions are based on clear evidence
- Funding is focused where needs are most complex
- Schools can use funding flexibly across their SEND cohort
- There are controls to ensure funding is used as intended
- There's a process to recover unused or misused funding
- The system works collectively to meet high needs within budget
What good, inclusive practice looks like
Schools are encouraged to reflect on national guidance, including the ISOS Partnership report (July 2024), which highlights:
- A clear ethos of inclusion
- An environment with a strong core offer for additional needs
- Empowered staff through training and outreach
- Equity in resource distribution
- Excellence in inclusive teaching
Strategic planning for inclusive, needs-led provision
High-Quality provision starts with a clear understanding of every pupil's individual needs. Norfolk's SEND tools—such as the INDES, IPSEF, Graduated Provision Map (GPM), and guidance on the use of SEN Support Plans support schools to identify and plan the right provision. These tools should be used carefully and reviewed regularly to reflect current needs, collaborating with families where appropriate.
SEND provision should be effective and efficient. Schools are encouraged to plan across their whole SEND cohort, using resources flexibly and creatively. The goal is to meet needs well whilst making the best use of resources.
Norfolk's PEaSS (Provision Expected at SEN Support) guidance outlines expectations for SEND provision in schools. Although it focuses on SEN Support, it also includes Universal (Ordinarily Available) and Enhanced provision.
An overview of the Element 3 funding Process 2025-2026
The diagram below outlines the Element 3 (E3) funding process that is now implemented across Norfolk from September 2025.
A fully accessible version of the diagram is available below.
Start with
- School actions: Review and amend your setting's Graduated Provision Map (GPM)
Then
- Meetings and discussions: Discussion at Team Around the School meetings
Next step
- Decision Points: Are there any implications for Element 3 Funding (increase or decrease)?
This can result in either:
- School actions: Setting requests a review at the Element 3 Funding Panel
or
4a. School actions:
- Continue using the GPM as a working document for strategic provision planning.
- Regularly review the impact of provision.
4a then leads back to repeating the whole process
If the first alternative (4) applies, then
- Information sharing: Information collected for Element 3 Panel
Which results in
- Meetings and discussions: Half-termly Element 3 Funding Panel
This can result in either:
- Decision Points: Panel Outcome: Change to cohort funding if required
or
7a. Decision Points: Panel Outcome: No change to cohort funding required
If the first alternative (7) applies, then
- Information sharing: Change to cohort funding processed
Leading back to repeating the whole process
If 7a applies, then
4a. School actions:
- Continue using the GPM as a working document for strategic provision planning.
- Regularly review the impact of provision.
Leading back to repeating the whole process
More information
See our Frequently Asked Questions .
You can also contact us on:
- SEND & Inclusion support line: 0333 313 7165
- Element 3 funding mailbox: [email protected]
- INDES/IPSEF support: [email protected]
