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The new Early Years Inclusion Fund

SELA EYFS children with small world

We are very pleased to announce the launch of the new Early Years Inclusion Fund provider portal.

What’s new?

The previous paper based process has now moved online and your setting will have access to an individual dashboard where you will have the ability to;

  • Request parental consents
  • Complete multiple application forms
  • Track the process of applications to the fund
  • View panel decisions in a timely way

What’s different?

The process for applying for funding is now all online and the steps for applying for funding have changed;

You will;

  • Request consent from a parent before starting an application and again before submitting the application. This will be done quickly and securely online via Docusign
  • Receive email notifications when, a parent has provided their consent to start an application, the application has been submitted, requests are made for further information and when panel decisions are taken
  • See how far along the process your applications are through in-portal status updates
  • Be able to view all current and past applications together in one place

What next?

Each provider in Southwark has been set up with a secure account on the portal. This has been set up using the contact email provided by your setting following our requests for a named contact in July 2024.

Please note that we have used the name and contact of the most senior leader for those settings that did not provide a contact.

In the first week of September the named contact will receive an email from EYIF@southwark.gov.uk (please note this email inbox is not monitored) with details about how to sign into the portal.

We would then recommend you to take the following steps

  • Using the guidance provided log into the portal as soon as possible after receiving the email
  • Check your provider details and contact us immediately at EarlyYearsInclusion@southwark.gov.uk should any changes need to be made
  • Read the guidance on how to request consent from a parent, complete an application, request final consent and submit an application 
  • Begin your applications and speak to parents in plenty of time before the deadline as it is likely to take longer to complete until you are familiar with the system
  • Contact us at EarlyYearsInclusion@southwark.gov.uk if you have any questions

What you need to know

  • The online process takes immediate effect and we will only be accepting applications that are made via the online portal
  • Guidance on making an application, funding rates, eligibility, panel dates and the new conditions of funding can all be found on the education website or by clicking on the tabs in the provider portal
  • The deadline for applications to the first panel of the academic year is 5.00pm on the 3rd October 2024. This is a hard deadline and any applications submitted after this 5.00pm deadline will be entered into the next available panel

Want to know about how the portal works?

If you would like to know more about how the portal works and have questions you would like answered then sign up for one of our free, online EYIF information sessions for providers. Choose between

Please remember you must be logged into your user account to be able to book on to courses!