Early Education Funding - Summary of Headcount Task and Payment Dates 2025 - 2026

 Payment and Task Dates 2025 - 2026

The above proposed headcount task and payment dates and are subject to change, dependent on external factors outside the Local Authority's control.  You will be made aware of the changes in advance of when a task is to be opened. 

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)

You can determine your own funded weeks within the periods above, subject to the maximum allowable weeks each term.

However, you 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 - taking inconsideration if the child has attended another setting previously starting with you and claimed up to the date of leaving. 

Unused hours cannot be banked or carried forward to the following term.

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. 

**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.   

Further adjustments can be made possible on the Amendment Tasks. Please see  Amendment tasks below for further information.  

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

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 you require one, you must email eefportal@staffordshire.gov.uk, quoting your Provider ID.

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

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