Early Years Education Funding - Summary of Task and Payment Dates to 2025/26

The above proposed task and payment dates and are subject to change, dependent on external factors outside of the Local Authority's control.  

KEY NOTES:

*Option 1: (lump sum up front).  Following completion of Forecast Task, payment is calculated as 75% up front and payment made in one lump sum. The balance for the term payable on completion of the Actual Task. Further Amendments possible on the Amendment Task, with the Final Amendment Task available on request. 

**Option 2: (monthly payments) Following completion of Forecast Task, payment is calculated as 75% up front and payment made in three monthly instalments.  The balance for the term payable on completion of the Actual Task. The balancing payment for the term is payable on completion of the Actual Task. Further Amendments possible on the Amendment Task, with the Final Amendment Task available on request. 

Monthly payment dates are week ending the third Friday of each month. Except December 2024, where it has been brought forward to second Friday.

Failure to complete the tasks correctly and on time will result in a delay to your payments.

Early Years Funding Periods and Weeks

Spring term (1 January to 31 March) - 11 Weeks (Stretch - 12 Weeks)

Summer term (1 April to 31 August)  -  13 Weeks (Stretch - 20 Weeks)

Autumn term (1 September to 31 December) - 14 Weeks (Stretch - 16 Weeks)

Childcare Settings can determine their own funded weeks within the periods above, subject to the maximum allowable weeks each term. However, Providers must take in consideration the child's start date if the child starts mid-term and count down the remaining weeks of the term offer, and can be dependent on weeks claimed elsewhere.  Unused hours cannot be banked or carried forward to the following term.

Amendment tasks 

There are two amendment tasks for each term following the Actual headcount.

The first Amendment Task is issued to all Providers.

The final Amendment Task is available on request following the production of the Final Term Funding Statement.   

Should Providers require one, they must email to the eefportal@staffordshire.gov.uk, quoting their Provider ID.

It is the Local Authority's intention to close the term after the Final Amendment and any requests to amend a claim after this will be subject to special consideration by the funding panel.

For more information, visit our Early education funding - headcount tasks and payments explained - Staffordshire County Council.