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Please be aware that there is a new payment process for Schools with Nursery provision. Previously 80% of estimated numbers was paid at the agreed hourly rate through the monthly budget share. Adjustments were then made for the actual uptake of places. From September this is changing to a new mechanism administered by the Early Years Team and with schools using the Provider Portal to record nursery numbers. This brings all providers (PVIs, Nurseries, childminders) into line and provides consistency across the system. This has been previously communicated to schools and there were a number of briefing sessions held throughout the county during May 2018.

All of the funding guidance and information on using the Portal is here - https://www.suffolklearning.co.uk/early-years/claiming-funding-for-2,-3-4-year-olds. These pages are in the process of being updated with further helpful information.

Please email provider.portal@suffolk.gov.uk for any queries about the Portal/funding. Schools should get advances (70% of estimated numbers) at the start of this term with balances (adjustments) paid around half term and any additional funding by the end of term.